Bills/Redskins: What to Watch For

by Brian Galliford on Aug 8, 2008 4:14 PM EDT in Events

RB Jackson dominated 'Skins in 2007 (Photo Source)

The Buffalo Bills are set to open their 2008 pre-season schedule tomorrow night in Washington, and with this game the Bills are set to begin attempting to answer the questions surrounding the team's 2008 playoff push. Buffalo Rumblings will cover the game with a live open thread, so stop by tomorrow evening at about 5:30 PM ET to get ready for some Bills football!

As the proud (son of a family that is the proud) new owner of HDTV with DVR capabilities, I'll be both watching the game live as well as taping the game for a little "Rumblings Film Session" series we'll run this year. During tomorrow night's game, I'll be watching the game as I normally do - cheering on the Bills and taking a few notes here and there. But Sunday is nitty gritty day; that's when I'll look back through the game for the details that you just can't hope to remember when watching a game live. Here's what I'm going to concentrate on specifically this week; if y'all have any requests, feel free to add them in the comments section, and I'll do my best to keep my eyes peeled for you.

Trent Edwards: Is there any place else to start, really? He's not going to play much, but that doesn't mean I can't demand to see positive signs from Buffalo's starting quarterback. I'll be looking for rhythm, chemistry, presence, and most of all, production. I won't have to look hard; y'all will undoubtedly be looking for the same things.

Offensive generalities: I'll be concentrating specifically on what we're seeing that's different from last year's offense. Yes, it's the pre-season, so the Bills will undoubtedly be guarding many of their secrets, but they're bound to do some different things right out of the gate.

Wright v. Omon: It's pretty clear that Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson are the team's top two backs, and my guess is that we won't see much of either of them tomorrow night. That means we'll see heavy doses of Dwayne Wright and Xavier Omon. Who looks better? Who plays better on special teams? These guys could be fighting for some of Buffalo's last roster spots.

Fullbacks: The Bills are incorporating the traditional FB back into their offense, but still plan on using the TE in the backfield some as well. I'll be looking to see how much of each the Bills use formation-wise.

Offensive Line: Again, how can we not try to pay attention to this? The Jason Peters situation has thrown this entire offense for a loop, and we'll need to monitor how Buffalo's line holds up as they shuffle around covering for the big man's absence. It will be especially intriguing to see how they fare against a pretty good Redskins defensive line.

Chris Ellis: The Bills have three veteran ends who won't play long, and Copeland Bryan will miss the game. Chris Ellis is going to play a lot. How he fares early will show us how well he's really come along as Buffalo's relatively anonymous third-round selection.

Paul Posluszny: I'm going to glue my eyes to this guy simply because he's awesome. I'll be looking to see if he's tentative in any way and to see how he plays next to Kawika Mitchell; I don't expect to be disappointed.

CB Battle: This battle at cornerback is starting to take shape in terms of reps, but it bears watching anyway. In particular, I'll be making an attempt to see who plays where. How mch will Leodis McKelvin play inside as compared to outside? Rotations will be big here as well. I'll also be watching Ashton Youboty closely.

Special Teams: This is the one area that every team watches closely during the pre-season. Which players are playing where on special teams? This could be an early indicator as to who is leading the battle(s) for the final roster spots on the team. Who's lining up where on special teams will be monitored closely throughout all four pre-season games, and it starts tomorrow night.

Again, if there's anything else you'd like me to add to the list, fire away.

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Comments

Scott

On D: I think it is important to analyze Scott. Can he play against the pass? How long does he play. I expect him to play the entire first half and maybe into the 3rd quarter.

On O: Which WR looks to be #5. If Reed does not get substantially better we may be keeping 6 but I’d like to know who would be WR #4 if one of the top 4 get hurt and cant play for a game or longer.

You seemed to hit most everything else but there should be real concentration on the O-line second string too.

by Berg79 on Aug 8, 2008 4:49 PM EDT 0 recs

Noted on all counts. FWIW, we’re definitely planning on heavily getting into an analysis of the offensive line on every unit. So no worries there.

by Brian Galliford on Aug 8, 2008 4:57 PM EDT up 0 recs

James Hardy

I know he has been banged up a bit, but he will be playing I know I myself will be watching for him to make some plays. I mainly want to see how he is doing running his routes, in and out of breaks and that stuff. And I’m hoping we toss one up in the red zone to him, teams know we’re going to do it, no need to hide it.

by Lil' Mac on Aug 8, 2008 5:23 PM EDT 0 recs

I'm with you

I would love to see an endzone toss up to him

McKelvin and Hardy - rookies of the year

by poz on Aug 8, 2008 5:46 PM EDT up 0 recs

Hardy and Losman

If they’re both on the field for 2nd team reps look for Losman to throw jump balls to Hardy on go routes.

by Ron From NM on Aug 8, 2008 8:32 PM EDT up 0 recs

Good post Brian...

by krytime on Aug 8, 2008 7:15 PM EDT 0 recs

Thanks! :)

by Brian Galliford on Aug 8, 2008 7:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

Hamdan

I dont know why…. but I want to see how Gibran does

by StuckInNJ on Aug 8, 2008 7:40 PM EDT 0 recs

My guess is that you’ll have plenty of opportunities. Edwards won’t play much, and neither will Losman, owing to his bum thumb. Expect to see Hamdan in the first half.

by Brian Galliford on Aug 8, 2008 7:45 PM EDT up 0 recs

Something about the guy

Maybe because he made the cover of a magazine as the world’s most popular Arab American NFL player (such a distinction!). Or he just seems like this nice guy, I don’t know. You have to love a guy who seems so happy-go-lucky and yet is buried on the depth chart with zero chance to playing during the season. Tasker-like. How can you not like this guy.?

by Defensewinsgames on Aug 9, 2008 8:04 AM EDT up 0 recs

Think all's been covered...

I’ll be around tomorrow night… And plan to DVR the game myself… But folks, it’s a bit early to be grading our team for the season, don’t ya think?? Ah what the heck!!! It’s what we’ve been waiting for!!!!
Finally…....
Knowing it’s “only” preseason and all… Might I ask??
“ARE YA READY FOR SOME (Bills) FOOTBALL!!!!!!

by Cinga on Aug 8, 2008 8:40 PM EDT 0 recs

No one said anything about “grading for the season”... that’s just crazy talk. This is just observing.

And yes. I am quite ready for some freaking football.

by Brian Galliford on Aug 8, 2008 9:43 PM EDT up 0 recs

Preseason games are valuable

I was able to predict that Butler would replace Preston based on the New Orleans preseason game last year. (I think my official guess was that Butler would be starting no later than week 4.) Preseason also alerted me to the need to track (during the regular season) how often Walker had help in pass protection. So, no, we’re not talking season grades but there is still information to be gleaned.

by Ron From NM on Aug 9, 2008 10:06 AM EDT up 0 recs

You mention Butler taking the job away from Preston pretty often, so I was just curious as to how much you thought Butler won the job and how much you thought that Preston lost the job. Butler’s good performance in his one game was obvioulsy a huge factor in DJ’s decision, but did Preston play his way out of the job too? Could you guess a percentage like 50 Butler won it and 50 Preston lost it or 80/20 or 100/0 or something like that?

by kaisertown on Aug 9, 2008 1:53 PM EDT up 0 recs

Both

Preston was, well, Preston in the first three preseason games last year. I’m sure that his play led the coaches to silently root for Butler to take his job. Had Butler done poorly the coaches might still have give him another chance down the line. As it happened, Butler did well and Jauron was happy to hand the job to him. I don’t know that you can put numbers to it but Jauron was looking to replace Preston.

I mention it largely as a way of illustrating Jauron’s willingness to make changes based on relatively small windows of performance. (Some people seem to think he’s blindly loyal to whomever is currently the starter.) In this particular case I mentioned it because Butler’s preseason performance led directly to improved line play during the season.

by Ron From NM on Aug 9, 2008 2:02 PM EDT up 0 recs

One more thing to watch for...

The new preseason play-by-play announcer, Ray Bentley! It’s starting to look like a 90s-era team reunion now, between Tasker, Bentley, and Kelso all as announcers, and Burris as an intern in training camp.

by Krenn on Aug 9, 2008 8:33 AM EDT 0 recs

I'm watching to see

that Edwards doesn’t get killed behind our subpar line. If they do struggle, which they should, Brandon better be on the first plane to Texas, Arkansas or wherever Jason Peters lives and offer him a deal tomorrow.

by Kurupt on Aug 9, 2008 8:37 AM EDT 0 recs

Amen. But unlikely.

I don’t like this game of chicken, but it appears each side is entrenched in their positions. Something’s got to give, and I’m guessing the only way that can happen is if Mr. Brandon sees a very unlikely set of characters playing new positions on the O-line struggling against an above average Redskin D-line. Might be about the only silver lining we’ll see tonight. Hope I’m wrong, but I fear the worst for tonight’s first quarter.

by Defensewinsgames on Aug 9, 2008 8:48 AM EDT up 0 recs

I know

and that’s what really worries me the most. It appears neither side will cave, though Peters is probably hiding somewhere in a cave, and this situation doesn’t have a resolution in sight. I still can’t understand why Peters refuses to speak with the front office. It makes no sense and he’s just costing himself money and the potential to get a new deal done ASAP.

Of course, the OL could play really, really well tonight and lead Brandon to believe there’s no need to go after Peters anytime soon. That may be the worst case scenario because we aren’t winning in the regular season without Peters…

by Kurupt on Aug 9, 2008 8:56 AM EDT up 0 recs

Anxious to See OL Depth

I thought OL depth was a weekness even before Peters. I hope there’s some pleasant surprises. Chambers was undressed in Eagles game last year. Do you chalk that up as experience? Maybe he’ll show something.

by MrFurious1 on Aug 9, 2008 9:01 AM EDT up 0 recs

I chalk it up to

being a well below average player. He was an off the street FA at one point for a reason.

OL depth is a major concern, and I’d dread any preseason injury. The only position I feel we could survive with one of our backups is at G with Whittle.

by Kurupt on Aug 9, 2008 9:50 AM EDT up 0 recs

I think you're right ...

and what scares me is that he’s the first guy off the bench. What’s that say about the others??

by MrFurious1 on Aug 9, 2008 10:14 AM EDT up 0 recs

Brandon better be on the first plane...

The season starts in one month and if Brandon or someone else from the Bills front office has not personally talked to Jason Peters, we should all demand our season ticket money back. That lack of communication is the hardest thing to figure out here.

by ferris b on Aug 9, 2008 9:11 AM EDT up 0 recs

I Watched HiLites From Friday Games ...

McNabb looked really efficient. Comfortable, fluid, some nice completions, a touchdown and good night. He leaves no doubt that they have a quarterback. My perfect scenario for this preseason is that we see some of those things. Last year’s preseason was a huge let down and you had to hear Losman and the coaches tell you it was no big deal.

by MrFurious1 on Aug 9, 2008 8:49 AM EDT 0 recs

Hey MrFurious1,

How did the squeeler Oline Look? I want Rothlesweiner, to get smacked and now no Batch. No backup?

by Bluebill on Aug 9, 2008 9:34 AM EDT up 0 recs

Something else to watch for

Buffalobills.com has a couple of bits extolling the virtues of yards after the catch. I guess we’ll see if that is a thin disguise for a dump off passing attack. While I hope not it would be in keeping with Jauron’s overall ball control mindset…

by Ron From NM on Aug 9, 2008 10:11 AM EDT 0 recs

YAC

I think your first hunch about Buffalo talking themselves into their popgun, dump passing attack is probably accurate. I don’t like this concept as a philosophy, but its probably the only way to game plan around a QB with the limitations of Trent Edwards. Tonight, I’ll be watching the reportedly, not-ready-to-contribute-in-a-starting-role, Pacman Hardy. It’s a joke that we’re staring at another year of Josh Reed in the starting lineup when the Bills had a whole year to address this problem. It really makes you wonder if Jauron is even remotely interested in offense or if he views that side of the ball as just an extended part of his kicking unit. The man’s overwhelming fears of just about everything really cripple this team and it’s really a shame because there’s some real talent here that’s ready to contend. Unfortunately, a pushover for a head coach that has never had even an average offense in 7 seasons running a team may end up getting in the way.

Never forget 56-10. Revenge.

by SuperFan82 on Aug 9, 2008 11:30 AM EDT up 0 recs

What would your solution to replacing Reed have been? Don’t forget that they went pretty hard after Panda Johnson, once that fell through they had to go with the draft and lets face it, the WRs in this years draft class left a lot to be desired. To say that they did nothing is inaccurate. Tried but came up empty is more like it, and that isn’t Jauron’s fault no matter how you try to spin it.

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

by sireric on Aug 9, 2008 11:47 AM EDT up 0 recs

WR

It’s true that the WRs in last year’s draft class proved to be abnormally weak no matter how badly I wanted to prop them up for the sake of filling Buffalo’s greatest need. I’m not the GM of this team, I’m just a paying customer- Johnson, Hackett, Isaac Bruce for a year, I don’t really know. Maybe they needed to tblow away another team with an offer for a veteran like they did to get Stroud. Regardless, the front office had an entire year to find a receiver that could get Reed and his putrid numbers off the field and they sat around and waited and nothing came about it. You can’t defend Reed by saying that his lack of production was due to his playing out of place on the outside last season and then defend Jauron when Reed heads into the season in the same position for 2008. I’d say it’s unquestionably Jauron’s (or whoever is actually calling the shots on personnel) fault that the position remains inadequate and it’s our impressionable young QB who we’re gambling on who will probably pay the consequences (like he did last season).

Never forget 56-10. Revenge.

by SuperFan82 on Aug 9, 2008 11:58 AM EDT up 0 recs

I can’t, won’t, and have never really tried to defend Reed’s numbers. I don’t want him starting outside any more than you do. I still don’t see that as Jauron’s fault. Also I don’t think Issac Bruce or D.J. Hackett are that much better then Reed, better yes but not substantially better. Panda was in my opinon border line substantially better. The free agent and draft class was very weak and I would rather see another year of Josh Reed (if for no other reason then to read your humorous rants about his ineptitude) than over pay for somebody who isn’t that much better then what is currently there.

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

by sireric on Aug 9, 2008 12:21 PM EDT up 0 recs

Hackett

Is a lot better than Josh Reed and signed for peanuts in Carolina. When he was healthy he outplayed Branch, Engram and Burleson. It was a BIG mistake not giving him a look, IMO.

Jauron is a solid head coach, but I agree with SuperFan that his headset should be stolen from him every time the offense has the ball. He really makes some questionable decisions on O….

by Harris on Aug 9, 2008 1:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

Keeping Hackett healthy is the big problem with him. That in and of itself decreases his value. That is why he signed for peanuts, if he was so good don’t you think he would have signed for more?

Does Jauron call the plays?

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

by sireric on Aug 9, 2008 1:46 PM EDT up 0 recs

No, but...

he hires the guy that does. Gary Crowton, John Shoop, Steve Fairchild…it sure worries me that Schonert was hired without so much as a visit fro someone outside Jauron’s circle.

Never forget 56-10. Revenge.

by SuperFan82 on Aug 9, 2008 1:51 PM EDT up 0 recs

“it sure worries me that Schonert was hired without so much as a visit from someone outside Jauron’s circle.”

I can’t argue there, I would have liked to see someone at the very least brought in for an interview. But I can’t kill Turk when he hasn’t called a single play yet, and I can’t say that Jauron needs to have is head set stolen when the team is on offense when he isn’t the one calling the plays.

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

by sireric on Aug 9, 2008 1:57 PM EDT up 0 recs

You can’t use the injury excuse with Hackett, otherwise you’d be saying that trading for Stroud was a bad idea because he hasn’t been healthy the past two years. There’s no reason Hackett shouldn’t have been invited to at least been checked out by our own doctors. On the field he makes plays and he even played college ball at Colorado, so we know he woudn’t have disappeared when Buffalo’s weather turned.

Jauron doesn’t call the plays, but he does have a tremendous influence on the offense. He’s the guy making the call on 4th and shorts. He’s the guy telling Fairchild to run out the clock before halftime instead of going into the 2-minute drill…. Jauron needs to grow a pair and give Turk full control of the offense.

by Harris on Aug 9, 2008 3:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

Injuries are not an excuse for Hackett, they are a fact! He has NEVER played a full NFL season due to injuries. he’s missed 15 games in 3 years. Stroud was healthy for the first 5 seasons then suffered a bad injury that takes two years to fix, well it’s been 2 years.

As for giving Jauron giving Turk full control, who says he hasn’t?

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

by sireric on Aug 9, 2008 3:34 PM EDT up 0 recs

I wasn’t making an excuse for Hackett, he had an ankle injury last year just like Stroud. Nobody here thought Hackett or B Johnson were going to be the answer but they both provided a taller receiver with experience, which we desparately needed and could still use until Hardy gets up to speed.

I’m not saying we should have signed Hackett, but we should have at least invited him for a visit and have our doc’s check him out. It was a mistake not too.

And the fact that speaks to me is:

Josh Reed, 88 career games, 2 100+ yard games, 8 career TDs
DJ Hackett, 33 career games, 3 100+ yard games, 9 career TDs

Jauron’s biggest knock before coming to Buffalo was his terrible, vanilla offenses….. and he hasn’t quite shed that label has he? I hope and pray (along with everyone else on this website) he lets the offense open up this year and actually attack opposing defenses. But we won’t know that answer until Sept 7th will we….

by Harris on Aug 9, 2008 7:08 PM EDT up 0 recs

Jauron and the front office share responsibility

Jauron’s the coach. If he has underperforming players (Fowler, Reed, Royal) he needs to communicate that fact to the front office. The front office then needs to upgrade those positions.

In Reed’s case, the front office went after Panda and reportedly made him a better (more money/multiyear) offer than the one year deal he eventually took. The front office and Jauron made the decision that the other available free agent WRs were not worthy of serious consideration. The front office (my guess moreso than Jauron) didn’t want to give up more draft picks to get a WR in trade. That left the draft. The front office and Jauron obviously wanted Hardy more than any other big WR besides possibly (and only possibly) Devin Thomas so they drafted him. The front office (again, my guess moreso than Jauron) got Hardy to camp on time. In spite of Hardy’s hamstring injury limiting his reps in camp he will be playing (starting?) in tonight’s game. Should he do well, the Butler experience has made it clear that Jauron (my guess mroeso than the front office) may demote Reed. As for whether or not the position is still ‘inadequate’ let’s at least see Hardy play. Unlike the examples to follow, Hardy stands a reasonable chance of being significantly better than Reed.

Anthony, if you want to slam the front office and/or Jauron for ignoring key areas look at the center and tight end positions. The team (Jauron or front office) has shown no interest whatsoever in replacing Fowler with someone who doesn’t find himself in the backfield a disturbingly high percentage of the time. The tight end position was only laughingly addressed in the offseason. (Johnson is gone and Anderson hasn’t been getting reps according to Chris Brown.) Picking Fine was about as close as the team came to addressing the position. As many have noted he’s not all that much different than Schouman. Perhaps Fine wrests away the starting job in the season and is indeed an upgrade. Even if he is, he’ll likely not be a great step up.

You could also slam the front office and/or Jauron for not doing much to upgrade the DE position. They didn’t go after any free agent DEs or attempt (as far as we know) to trade for any—not exactly a surprise given the very surprising contracts handed to Kelsay and Schobel last offseason. Ellis was the only addition in the draft at DE. If he’s better than Kelsay it could well be that he’s only modestly so.

by Ron From NM on Aug 9, 2008 12:35 PM EDT up 0 recs

DE

They did bring James Hall in for a look but didn’t sign him. Not sure he would have been better then Ellis anyway.

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

by sireric on Aug 9, 2008 12:39 PM EDT up 0 recs

Who's Anthony?

I don’t want to slam the front office; I want to brag about them to my friends and co-workers because we overtook New England* in the AFC East. I certainly think there’s a chance that Pacman Hardy can contribute this season and if he does, maybe Edwards will actually have an arsenal that he compete with at that point. But if, for any reason, Reed (who’s failed to be a factor in the slot, but has been especially ineffective on the outside) is starting against the Seahawks, Jauron and the front office deserve plenty of scorn. He’s in his 7th year and it’s absurd to think he’ll improve at this point. 8 TD’s in 6 years doesn’t cut it for an opening day starting WR in the NFL and that’s not something I’m willing to seriously argue. A solution needed to be found for the sake of improvement and thus far, it doesn’t appear that one was unearthed since December. That’s really inexcusable for a team that’s made itself a huge payday due to their Toronto initiative since the Bills last trudged their offensive unit off the field in South Philly after yet another touchdownless effort.

Never forget 56-10. Revenge.

by SuperFan82 on Aug 9, 2008 12:52 PM EDT up 0 recs

Not sure about Anthony either

I get your points on Reed, (Lord knows everyone here has heard them before) I just think that the front office tried to get an upgrade here, but was able to do so, and I can’t kill them for it becaus eI don’t think that anybody head and shoudlers better was really out there to be had. If Reed is starting a year from now I’ll be right there with you.

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

by sireric on Aug 9, 2008 1:07 PM EDT up 0 recs

Sorry, I thought you were Anthony Bailey for some reason...

I don’t think Reed will be starting week 1. Knowing what he has in Reed (and I don’t disagree at all that he doesn’t have much) I see Jauron putting Hardy in as the #2 WR right from the opening snap. Parrish offers more than Reed in the slot which drops Reed to #4….or #5 depending on what Johnson does in camp and Reed’s back. As Reed isn’t a stand out on special teams (Wait for it!) he might not make the final roster.

by Ron From NM on Aug 9, 2008 2:09 PM EDT up 0 recs

I’ve disagreed with this viewpoint several times, and I’ll do it again. Josh Reed is in the team’s good graces, and he’s still Buffalo’s best run-blocking wideout. He will start the regular season opener against Seattle. He will play a lot, as Hardy will probably only be on the field in special packages. He will play as much or more than Parrish in the slot. You may not like it (and there are clearly a few out there who don’t), but Reed isn’t going anywhere.

by Brian Galliford on Aug 9, 2008 2:13 PM EDT up 0 recs

You may be right....

....but wouldn’t you rather be wrong? I do agree with you that run blocking will be an important part of Jauron’s decision as to the #2 WR. With that said, Evans isn’t asked to do much on run plays. Hardy is bigger than Reed. Maybe we’ll get to see some of his run blocking skills this evening.

by Ron From NM on Aug 9, 2008 2:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

I’d rather be partially wrong. I think Hardy should start right out of the gate, but I still think Reed can be an excellent slot option, especially as a possession guy. Under no circumstances would I start Reed, but he’s clearly not going anywhere, and that’s not a bad thing.

by Brian Galliford on Aug 9, 2008 3:05 PM EDT up 0 recs

The specific things I will be looking for / my thoughts on Peters

Who is a tougher runner, Wright or Omon?
Unless one of them is just very impressive, I am more interested in finding out who is the better compliment to Jackson or Lynch than I am in finding out who is the better all around runner. The answers might be the same, but I want to know if either of these guys can be the between the tackles bruiser to compliment either of our top two RBs, if one of them were to get hurt. Jackson could use a short yardage specialist if Lynch were to miss time too.

Who are the Bills second team OTs going to be and more specifically, will one of them be Kirk Chambers? If he pulls double duty at RT, then it might mean the coaches are really concerned with trying to get him ready. If he starts at RT, but later plays LT, it could mean the Bills are still intending for him to be the third tackle.

The versatility of the offensive line. Will Preston just run as a second team guard or will he get snaps with the third team at center or the other G spot? Where will McCaskill, Gaddis and Felton line up first and what other spots will they play?

How atheltic is Teraz McCray and is he noticeably quicker than Jefferson?

Will the Bills be smart enough to give Chris Ellis a ton of snaps? I won’t be watching the second half to see how Shuan Nua and Derrick Jones look. Will the Bills give plenty of time to Ryan Neill and should they?

Will McKelvin return any kicks and how will he look?

Will Youboty cover any kicks and how will he look?

Will Reggie Corner look as small as he is listed, does he have the potential to play outside and how good of a tackler is he?

Is Marcus Buggs really good enough on ST to make this team as a specialist?

Does Schouman look small? Can he block well enough to be in there on first downs?

How do Fine, Anderson and Massaquoi stack up in the blocking department?

The scouting reports on Steve Johnson heading into the draft were that he was quick off the line of scrimmage and had good straight line speed, but was a raw route runner who is slow getting in and out of breaks so ….

That is a scouting report that makes it seem like Johnson could be a natural punt gunner. Does he have a legit chance to beat out Jenkins for that spot?

How quick is Steve Johnson and can he get open with consistency?

Will the Bills be dumb enough to give a lot of snaps to CJ Hawthorne, Scott Mayle and Felton Huggins? I would love to see Johnson and Jason Jones out there as much as possible.

My Jason Peters thoughts:

Can’t they find some middle ground? And I don’t mean financially. What if the Bills told Peters he could come to camp and not practice? He could show up, address the media, start to learn the line calls and watch practice from the sidelines while Parker and the Bills negotiate a new contract. If negotiations go bad, he can leave camp at any point, I don’t get why he isn’t here.

The Bills can’t cave and give him a new contract without Peters being in camp. Does anyone know if those 15K a day fines can continue through the season, or does Peters just lose out on his salary week by week? My thought is that once the games start to matter, Peters will have to show up or he will give up over 200K per week plus any possible fines.

by kaisertown on Aug 9, 2008 1:17 PM EDT 0 recs

Don't know about fines during the season

I do know that teams routinely forgive the fines when the new contract is worked out. If it goes into the year I think Peters just starts losing game checks and may have to return part of a signing bonus.

Look for Preston to play center with the 2nd and maybe 3rd units. He’s been taking a lot of snaps there this offseason.

McKelvin, according to buffalobills.com, will return the 2nd kick and 2nd punt.

Like you, I hope the team gives Ellis, Corner, Fine, Schouman, and Youboty a lot of snaps.

by Ron From NM on Aug 9, 2008 2:15 PM EDT up 0 recs

Look for .. Posted these thoughts the other day

1) James Hardy. Will he look lost against Skins D?
2) Trent Edwards. Will he make the proper reads? I won’t worry too much on his accuracy yet.
3) Leodis McKelvin. Can he make an impact on special teams as a return man?
4) Steve Johnson. Diamond in rough?
5) Tight Ends. Who will be Trent’s bail out man?

by the Skycap on Aug 9, 2008 2:42 PM EDT 0 recs

Why give Edwards a pass on accuracy? He’s more or less been sold as an accurate short-mid range passer. I’ll be disappointed if he can’t his his receivers. With that said, no, I don’t think that anything short of a porn-type video on the Jumbotron featuring Edwards and Jauron’s wife would threaten Edwards’ starting role. Hmmm….even then Jauron might still go with Edwards…

by Ron From NM on Aug 9, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up 0 recs

Another thought

Will JP look like the same old Losman or will he show some growth?

by the Skycap on Aug 9, 2008 2:44 PM EDT 0 recs

First Post!

Hey all, I just recently discovered this glorious blog and love the excitement everyone is showing towards this season!

Really looking forward to tonights game… I think a big thing to look for is the use of tight ends in the middle of the field. I think having Royal / Schouman as a factor will keep safeties from keying on Evans in certain situations. Also looking forward to see how the new linebacking corps performs in the first couple of series. I really hope Poz and Mitchell can be a factor not only shutting down the run but helping against the intermediate routes that the Skins like to run with Cooley.

Hoping for a successful night / season. (Need Peters)

"When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead... True story."

by schobes44 on Aug 9, 2008 3:15 PM EDT 0 recs

Glad to have you. Nice handle. Kurupt is going to love it.

Open thread is set to open at five, folks. See you then.

by Brian Galliford on Aug 9, 2008 3:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

oh yeah

by Kurupt on Aug 10, 2008 9:06 PM EDT up 0 recs

Fullbacks

Needless to say I watched the Seahawks vs. Minnesota preseason game and Schmitt looked really good. He played pretty much the whole game and was leveling guys and rolling up some good yardage in short yardage situations. Oh well, what might have been…..

But please let us know if Barnes and Schouman see a lot of time tonight, with Peter’s out the FB becomes more critical to keeping Trent and our other QBs upright from pass rushers.

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

by WABillsfan on Aug 9, 2008 3:49 PM EDT 0 recs

Let you know?

Are you one of the people who have been screwed out of NFL Network by the NFL-cable company fued?

by Ron From NM on Aug 9, 2008 3:58 PM EDT up 0 recs

Nah, working

And it was bad enough I didn’t have a chance to check in on the game via NFL Network. Got Directtv with DVR for the upcoming season.

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

by WABillsfan on Aug 10, 2008 8:50 PM EDT up 0 recs

Pass Rush

Please rely to me if there was a consistent Pass-Rush. I don’t care if it’s Schobel, Stroud, Ellis, Denney, or Billy the Buffalo this team needs to get to the QB more.

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

by sireric on Aug 9, 2008 4:00 PM EDT 0 recs

Does Buffalo Billy go on road games? I’m pretty sure the Jills don’t, unless the team keeps them under, um, wraps.

by Ron From NM on Aug 9, 2008 6:16 PM EDT up 0 recs