Potential Bills: DE Bertrand Berry
by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 1:30 PM EST
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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During the process of identifying the Buffalo Bills' biggest positional needs, the Buffalo Rumblings community nearly unanimously listed a pass-rushing defensive end as the one spot where the Bills most desperately needed an upgrade. As we prepare to profile free agents in our next, far more diverse off-season project, we'll focus on profiling defensive ends first. We'll mix in centers, tight ends and linebackers - the other "critical needs" as defined by this community - as well, but defensive end is the obvious starting point to this project.
With the NFL's free agent signing period set to begin exactly one month from today (midnight on February 27), we here at Rumblings are now starting the process of profiling several top-notch free agents that the community has identified as worthy of donning the red, white and blue in 2009. In our first "Potential Bills" post of the 2009 off-season, we profile veteran defensive end Bertrand Berry. In case you missed it, Berry is currently touring Tampa Bay with his Cardinals teammates at Super Bowl XLIII, and the veteran defensive end has been a key figure in Arizona's surprising (to say the least) playoff push.
Age 34 at start of 2009 season
6'3", 260 pounds
11-year NFL veteran out of Notre Dame
If the Bills are one thing at defensive end, it's veteran. Aaron Schobel, Chris Kelsay and Ryan Denney are all at or very near the 30-plateau, and those three are some of Buffalo's most scrutinized players. At first blush, adding a 34-year-old end may not seem ideal considering the current state of affairs at the position. But Berry, despite being older than every current Bills defender, is still playing at a high level.
I'm no authority on the Cardinals, but Hawkwind of Revenge of the Birds most certainly is. SB Nation's Cardinals blogger took some time out of his Super Bowl partying preparations to give us a little insight on Berry and his upcoming free agency. Take it away, Hawkwind...
On Berry's injury history
"Berry ended the '05, '06 and '07 seasons on IR (missing 21 games) and the Cardinals implied (pretty strongly) that he'd be cut if he didn't reduce his $4 million salary. In the end he agreed to reduce his cap hit to $1 million and it's worked out great for both sides. Berry still missed a couple of games with an injury but when he's been healthy, he was the best pass rusher on the team. It'll be interesting to see what kind of interest is out there for a 33-year-old with an extensive injury history, but if a team can limit his snaps and keep him fresh and limit his snaps, he can be a terror."
On Arizona's potential interest in re-signing Berry
"Given the Cardinals' lack of depth at OLB/DE (he plays a hybrid role that's kind of hard to define), I'd expect them to at least make a play for him unless they've already got other plans in mind via free agency or the draft."
On Berry's 2008 endeavors
"Berry started the season on a tear with a sack in each of his first four games (he missed weeks 4 and 5) while he was backing up Travis LaBoy. He would play primarily on passing downs and his sole purpose would be to rush the quarterback. As the season wore on, LaBoy got hurt and Berry moved into the starting job. The result was one sack in the final 10 games. Luckily for the Cardinals, he turned it back on in the playoffs and recorded sacks in the both of thier first two games."
On Berry's future
"Moving forward, I'd expect Berry to try to find a team, or re-sign with the Cardinals, with the role of pass rush specialist. He's not an every-down player anymore but if his snaps can be managed, he's an above average pass rusher."
Does Berry "Fit the Bill"?
It's hard to define exactly what Berry's role would be in Buffalo commensurate to the second-tier veteran salary (think Kawika Mitchell dollars) he would command. However, if he really is the type of player that can provide some veteran insurance for the team's pass rushing issues, he very well may be worth the investment. Julius Peppers and Terrell Suggs are obviously the big names "on the market" at defensive end, but if the Bills are serious about adding a veteran sack artist to the mix, Berry seems the most realistic and logical starting point.
Any thoughts on Berry that you'd like to add? Take a gander at his stat line below, vote in the poll, and let's talk some about Bertrand Berry this afternoon. Many thanks to Hawkwind for the valuable insight!
| Year | G | Tk | Sk | INT | FF | PD |
| 1997 | 10 | 13 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1998 | 16 | 53 | 4.0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 1999 | 16 | 21 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2001 | 14 | 21 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2002 | 16 | 18 | 6.5 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2003 | 16 | 37 | 11.5 | 0 | 3 | 4 |
| 2004 | 16 | 48 | 14.5 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| 2005 | 8 | 34 | 6.0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2006 | 10 | 23 | 6.0 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
| 2007 | 9 | 21 | 2.5 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2008 | 14 | 22 | 5.0 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| TOT | 145 | 311 | 59.0 | 0 | 16 | 19 |
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His age really jumps out at you
when you read his recent injury history. 34 years old and injury prone? Produces like Chris Kelsay when forced to play full time? This piece just talked me out of any interest I may have had here. I’ll pass on Berry.
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
Who says he’d be a full-time end in Buffalo, though? Can’t Schobel and Kelsay/Denney handle the “every down” stuff?
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
perhaps
but what worries me is the price tag for a guy who wont be producing much longer even in a part time position. I’d rather grab a guy in the draft who could try and do that but for cheaper. Could we do a discussion at some point before the draft about potential draft picks by position by round? I know Ellis didnt work out but I’m curious what kind of pass rush specialist talent could be had in rounds 2 and 3 if we dont nab a stud in round 1
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
Yeah, we can line up a discussion like that, but we’ll save it for after the free agency wave hits.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
Kelsay can’t handle getting his gloves on the right hand, it seems. I don’t want them to shell out any amount of millions for a guy who’ll be a part-time contributer, no matter his age or ability.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 27, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
That’s fair (the second sentence). I disagree with you, though, and not as it relates specifically to Berry. I’ll pay anyone who helps the team win football games.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
If the Bills have a ton of money to throw at him when all is said and done, sure. Oh and I just could not sit here and let the comments about Kelsay/Denney being every down guys go. I find them loathesome in their game-changing impact. The Bills need a game-changer for an every-down DE.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 27, 2009 3:31 PM EST up reply actions
I also
don’t want a 34 year old guy who has been less of a pass rushing threat throughout his career than Aaron Schobel. If we’re not satisfied with the production from Schobel then Berry shouldn’t be an option.
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
Why?
We can’t upgrade the Kelsay/Denney combo because a guy doesn’t have Schobel’s production?
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
not so much that
as in already our best rusher is developing into an injury prone and aging commodity. It could be detrimental to have two of them. If we brought in Berry in free agency I would still view DE as a glaring hole. If we spend money I’d prefer to put more into a Suggs than less into a Berry. Berry wouldn’t reduce the need to find DE help all that much in my opinion. Worst case scenario he and Schobel miss time and then we are really in trouble.
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
Well, of COURSE you prefer Suggs to Berry. No one here is saying “Berry is better than Suggs”, after all.
I’m a bit surprised by this. Y’all have some pretty spectacular expectations for a defensive end.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
no
but you asked if we want him and I’m saying I don’t think I do. This has much more to do with age and injury history than it has to do with Suggs. But if we are comparing, I’m simply asking why spend a decent amount of the limited money we have on Berry when we have the money to go out and be competitive for Suggs? We don’t have to settle for 34 and injury prone when we can be just as competitive as the Cowboys. If Suggs is gone than yes I’ll take Berry but not if it means we keep Kelsay. If we grab Berry we better cut Kelsay soon after.
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
injury prone?
He’d never missed a game until this year! Why is everyone trashing Aaron Schobel when Chris Kelsay and Ryan Denney are ripe for the picking!?!?! I think Schobel is as mediocre as they come, and nowhere near worth his contract, but he’s MUCH better than the other two.
Nobody is saying that Berry would solve the DE woes. Of course DE would still be a major hole. Berry is a better pass rusher than Chris Kelsay and Ryan Denney, that’s what he would give us. We still need a young, future stud pass rusher, regardless of who we keep.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
im not trashing Schobel
but I think it is fair to say that at his age we can start expecting nagging injuries to be a common problem, same with I’d rather throw tons of money and grab Suggs, I don’t know why people seem to think that we can’t be competitive and go get him, then spend upper-mid tier money on Berry.
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
No one’s saying we can’t be competitive for Suggs. You’re misinterpreting our intentions in the poll.
Re-phrase the question “Could you get behind a move for Bertrand Berry?” and take out the “if and only ifs” you mentioned. There are prospects who would work here and prospects who wouldn’t. Berry could work here. I’m trying to find out if you think he can’t.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 4:49 PM EST up reply actions
ok I can play this game
Berry can work here, yes I think so. But its hard to discount the IFs because I would prefer free agent moves that removed needs from our list before going into the draft. Berry is an upgrade over Kelsay to be sure but he wouldn’t remove a need. Therefore, the IF has to be there because with Berry on board we had better be rid of Kelsay.
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
But who’s saying spend upper-mid tier money on Berry?
I’m seeing 2 yrs $4M, 3 yrs $8M. That’s pretty low end for a potential starter if you ask me!!!
Nobody wants to spend big money on Berry, that’d be pure insanity if it happened. I know I would want Berry as a Kelsay replacement and a bridge to hopefully the #11 pick’s assault on QB’s.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
Agreed
I completely agree with poz on this one. I think the Bills can spend their money more wisely in free agency. Especially considering the quality depth of the defensive end position in the up coming NFL draft, I think the Bills should look elsewhere in free agency.
One guy that the Bills really messed up with John McCargo. A first round pick who they just tried to trade last year. What a waste of a pick! That just really makes me mad. How do you take a guy in the first round and then he completely flops. Huge embarrassment to the organization.
If the Bills want to play a 4-3 defense, then they need a better D-tackle than Kyle Williams. Kyle is pretty good, but not dominant enough. I think Williams is well suited to play as an end or split time as the NG in a 3-4 defense. I will say again…I think the Bills should think about switching to a 3-4 defense.
by buffaloboy90 on Jan 27, 2009 5:54 PM EST up reply actions
How do you take a guy in the first round and then he completely flops. Huge embarrassment to the organization.
It happens to every organization!!!! How can you say it’s a huge embarrassment with guys flopping all over the place. I dare you to look at every team’s draft history for the last five years and find one team who has not had a first round pick flop. Do it as a fanpost and I’ll kiss your butt and rec it all day long.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Jan 27, 2009 9:21 PM EST up reply actions
agreed Poz..pass......
4-5 years ago maybe..but too old….probably gonna cost too much….not worth it
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by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 27, 2009 1:42 PM EST reply actions
How much is “too much” for a solid pass rusher, though – even if he is “old” and injury prone? I seriously wouldn’t mind him on a 3-year deal for between $8-10 million. Is that so outrageous? I think that’s the type of deal that could bring him to Buffalo pretty easily.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
I agree
he isn’t going to command a monster contract and no one will give him more than three years, unless it’s just contract semantics. We need a pass rush, if that’s all he gives us it will be worth signing him.
yeah but based on his stats he's no better than Denney....so why fork over more cash and pay 2 players to do the same thing
12/19/08 - Thank you KLJ for coming into my life.
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 27, 2009 9:15 PM EST up reply actions
Why does everyone base everything on stats!?!?! It’s not the be all, end all when looking at a guy. Have you guys not seen Berry disrupting plays like crazy this postseason?
And if you want an explanation for a fast start followed by next to nothing this regular season, it may be due to the fact that Berry tore his groin. That’s a pretty significant injury for a pass rusher and can really limit effectiveness.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
It's not the be all and end all with QB pressures...
or wins and losses.
Think Ben Roethisberger. He’ll never throw for 4000 yards but the kids a gamer and a winner.
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by MattRichWarren on Jan 28, 2009 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
For the contract you mentioned, I’d probably consider him as a stop gap pass rusher. We’ll still need to draft a DE in the first round within these 2 years to solidify our future.
BTW, for future posting on potential FA signings, is it possible to put up an “expected contract size” as well? I think it is so important to have the contract in mind when discussing FA signings.
Bills fan half way around the world
Rationale?
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
I voted yes...
Here’s a couple things, though. If this signing happens, Kelsay needs to be cut. He is a run down liability.
Denney plays rushing downs, Berry is in on passing downs. I wouldn’t mind seeing a two year, 4 million dollar deal or something like that. The only thing is if Ellis or the new #1 draft pick is going to be the pass rush specialist, where does Berry then fit in?
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
Don’t assume “the new #1 draft pick”. Free agency happens BEFORE the draft, after all.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
I'm not assuming....
just planting the seed of my hope.
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Jan 27, 2009 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
I think what everyone here wants is for Buffalo to draft and groom (and RETAIN) the next Bruce Smith. We all thought we had it with Schobel, but it didn’t come to light the way it was looking.
Please know i’m not taking anything away from Schobel, because he’s of the rare ability to both rush the passer and play the run exceptionally well. But he did not do enough (apparently) to make people forget about Bruce. I know that’s not easy, but for every “greatest” player, there’s going to someday be someone better. Records are made to be broken, but a player’s greatness is never forgotten.
I can only hope that the eventual “greater than Bruce” or “greater than Jerry Rice” dons a Buffalo uniform.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 27, 2009 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
Nobody is going to do enough to make anyone forget about Bruce.
Please, everyone, stop trying to compare DE’s to Bruce Smith!! He’s a Hall of Famer and he shouldn’t be the comparison for potential Bills’ DE’s. You guys just set yourselves up for disappointment if you think a guy can become the next Bruce Smith.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
Yeah, I don’t get this. I’m not looking for Bruce Smith. I’d be happy with Robert Mathis or Trent Cole.
Stat for everyone: A whopping TWELVE defensive ends in 2008 had 10 sacks or more. To expect someone to come into Buffalo and immediately register 15 sacks is a pipe dream, folks. Lower your expectations to a realistic level, and suddenly, signing guys like Berry makes sense.
We don’t need sacks. We need a pass rush. There’s a giant difference.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
I’m sorry, but I just don’t think 34 is the proper age to look at for a pass rush.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 27, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
That’s a perfectly acceptable opinion. It’s the only item of interest that I consider a drawback to signing Berry. I still think he’s worth investigating.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 3:56 PM EST up reply actions
you dont consider the fact that
Berry ended the ’05, ’06 and ’07 seasons on IR (missing 21 games)
to be an item of interest? Well, I disagree then because that raises flags to me.
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
Well, he played in a situational role this year and only missed two games – and he missed none when he was the full-time end. It’s a concern, but not nearly prohibitive enough to curb my interest.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 4:49 PM EST up reply actions
I'm not trying to compare Schobel to Smith
And I think Schobel is fantastic, but he’s a quiet fantastic. It should be fair to say that most fans are looking for that game-changing, dominant guy. That isn’t as hard to find. It’s just that Bruce Smith was pretty much the only guy you can put at that level in a Bills uniform, so the comparison will exist.
But, it’s also a tad foolish to say that no one can ever play at a level similar to him. There will be someone, maybe not for the Bills.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 27, 2009 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
a few other suggestions
I didn’t know we were going to cover the topic of “potential Bills”. But while we’re on it, can I throw out a few names? I’m doing this without regard to free agency; these are just guys who I think would be able to contribute to the team and fit in with what’s currently going on.
Okay then:
Tramon Williams – CB, Packers
Joshua Cribbs – WR and ST, Browns (a special-teams monster)
Clifton Smith – ST, Bucs (and backup RB)
Darrell Reid – DT, Colts
Sean Morey – WR and ST, Cardinals (responsible for the game-winning block against the Cowboys)
Coy Wire – LB, Falcons (yes, I know we had him before)
Edgar Jones – TE, Ravens
I like some of the guys on this list, but we’re only going to cover guys that are free agents and/or rumored to be on the trading block. None of these guys fit the bill.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
Plus, Coy Wire wouldn’t come back. He was treated pretty poorly.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 27, 2009 3:40 PM EST up reply actions
How so?
He did nothing here. He was released because he failed a physical.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
I seem to recall something in the neighborhood of the way it went down with Crowell. I can’t begin to remember exactly what, so it’s not worth my discussing any further.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 27, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
He had a neck injury that caused him to fail a physical. The failed physical led to his release.
Crowell willingly participated in training camp, the team held him out so he could rest his knee before the beginning of the season, and then days before the season was set to start, he decided to have surgery.
Pretty vastly different circumstances, actually.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 4:03 PM EST up reply actions
Again, why I chose to end the topic. =) Hopefully people don’t just take what I post as nonsense. I try to avoid being a post pest.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 27, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
Well, your posts don’t come across as nonsensical to me.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
Just insane, right? lol
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 27, 2009 4:23 PM EST up reply actions
Haha no.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
I'm pretty sure he got misty eyed when he was let go.
There was nothing the Bills could do about it.
by twoeightnine on Jan 27, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
Why Cribbs when we have Leo and Roscoe? Did Wire grow over the past year? Edgar Jones played more LB than TE this year and didn’t excel at either. (4 tackles and 1 rec.) We have enough Sean Moreys on the team already.
by twoeightnine on Jan 27, 2009 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
I voted no but mabye Berry could be had for less than some think. If he accepted a contract for $1mil last year he could probably be had for $1.5mil. So I’d offer a contract for two years at 1.5mil per year with the understanding that he would be strictly a situational pass rusher in a rotation that kept him on the bench most of the time. I would be aggressive in the FA market but not with him.
everything goes better with a BIG MACK
I voted no
In 11 seasons Berry has averaged just over 13 games per year.
In 145 games Berry has averaged 2.1 tackles per game or 27.3 in his typical 13 game season.
In 145 games Berry has averaged 0.4 sacks per game, or 5.2 in his typical 13 game season.
Denny had twice the number of tackles (58 to 27.3) as we can expect from Berry—and almost as many sacks (4 to 5.2). Berry won’t help the DE rotation at all. I’d rather see Buffalo go after Suggs/Peppers, fail and then use the #11 on a DE than waste money and a roster spot on Berry.
Fair analysis.
It’s one thing to say no. It’s another thing entirely to say “Berry won’t help the DE rotation at all”. That is a dirty, blatant lie. :)
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
The extra 1.2 sacks Berry provides over Denney won’t help the DE rotation at all. That’s just a statement of fact. Plus, Berry’s makes tackles at half the rate of Denney so Berry would be a net loss for the DE rotation.
Just to top things off, OBD would be far too likely to consider signing Berry as being ‘aggressive’ in free agency, consider the DE position settled and draft a CB at #11.
Again with the sacks and the tackles. Those are just stats. What isn’t tangible is Berry’s IMPACT. He MAKES THINGS HAPPEN, unlike ANY current defensive end on the roster. THAT is where he improves the DE rotation. To say he doesn’t is downright silly.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 5:57 PM EST up reply actions
again
sacks are grossly overrated stat. Pressure is just as important. We need guys that can rush and better OLB’s to get after the QB
MARVelous
Aren’t sacks the highest form of flattery when speaking about pressure? I mean, they lead to at least 1 of 4 negative scenarios for the offense: loss of down, loss of yards, 4th down, or a turnover. I mean, sacks are the pinnacle of pressure, in the end. I say, any good DE that can apply pressure, can finish the job with a sack.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 27, 2009 9:06 PM EST up reply actions
Let's stop picking up #2's
If we are going to sign a DE this off season, why settle for something less than best available. We need to be focused on signing Julius Peters. Let’s start raising the bar to the caliber of players on our D-Line. Haven’t we suffered enough watching poor performance. It’s like Bills fans don’t believe they are worthy to have top talent on their team.
We just don't operate
that way as an organization. So as a fan we have to think in terms of what is realistic. We have a history of trying to find second tier names, that will produce. I however disagree that we should try and signs Julius Peters, I would go after a Julius Peppers instead. Just Kidding.
Julius Peters? As opposed to Jason Peppers?
I kid. Just thought it was humorous. :)
And I’d still rather have Suggs than Peppers.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 5:58 PM EST up reply actions
If bringing Peppers in meant the team would go to a 3-4, I would be dually happy. But then the whole LB situation becomes an issue.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 27, 2009 9:08 PM EST up reply actions
First, we won't switch to a 3-4 while Jauron is here...
Second, Peppers himself should not be advocating for a 3-4 defense. The big names in a 3-4 are the linebackers, not the DEs. They have way more run-stopping responsibilities and space-eating responsibilities. It’s what makes Bruce Smith’s stats that much more impressive.
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by MattRichWarren on Jan 27, 2009 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
Peppers reportedly wants to move to a 3-4 and play the rush LB.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 27, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
I can see that happening... but then we still have the same problems at DE....
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by MattRichWarren on Jan 27, 2009 9:35 PM EST up reply actions
They have to blow it all up.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 27, 2009 9:52 PM EST up reply actions
I disagree with blowing it all up
They beat two of the top offenses in the league last year against San Diego and Denver.
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by MattRichWarren on Jan 28, 2009 10:56 AM EST up reply actions
They were 0-6 in the division though. Those are the games that matter most. The SD game was perhaps their best defensive game, but I think a 3-4 should be the way this team goes – long term.
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by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 28, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
WHen you say long term...
what you really mean is post-2009 and post-Jauron. I don’t want to put words in your mouth but there is no 3-4 in here without Jauron leaving.
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by MattRichWarren on Jan 28, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
WAKE UP AGAIN !!!!!
Just be ready to see the same weak DEs we had on the team last year, this year !!!!!! They will come up with some dumb excuse why they kept them.
They’ll marry the idea up with their concept of building on “consistency.”
"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"
"It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 28, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
berry
I want a 5 man DE rotation. Schobel, Denny, Kelsay, Eillis and Bryan are all options. If one goes you gotta think its Bryan but hopefully its Kelsay and Bryan.
I don’t see the Bills signing Berry and to be honest while I would like to have him, I don’t see the Bills signing a 34 year old player to 5-10 million guaranteed money. I would sign him though, have him play situationally, keep him healthy and add a DE in round 1 or 2 of the NFL draft. I would prefer to start Schobel and Denny, and rotate in Berry, ROOKIE DE and Ellis. Having no one player play more than 65% of the snaps keeping these guys fresh. Again, I point to John Abraham in Atlanta and how Mike Smith used him as exactly how Schobel should be used and Berry could be used in 2009
MARVelous
Your second paragraph is the ideal situation.
Berry plus a 1st round rookie, with Kelsay cut. I think I’d be the happiest Bills fan out there.
~K
"I’m Kurupt with Buffalo Rumblings. I am worth hundreds!"
That would be good to see
and it’s what I said earlier so I like it. :-)
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Jan 28, 2009 10:56 AM EST up reply actions
the poll worded the way it was...
I said yes… The fact of the matter was our DEs generated very little pressure this year, and Berry would help in that as a pass rushing specialist. Disregarding the ifs of money, length of the contract, and who is cut, Berry would bring improvement to our inexistent pass rush, but he clearly can’t be the only solution for this team going forward.
Don't forget to pay the troll toll...
I agree that we need a pass rush not necessarily sacks, but I do not understand the emphasis on DE. I prefer power to speed on the ends any day. We need a consistent pass rush up the middle that’s where it is significant. I think we need DT monsters or strong high motor people up the middle who disrupt and collapse pockets. These types make any DE look good. I dislike D-line players who weigh less that 270 unless they are phenomenally strong.
If we had a line with all DTs who simply pushed forward into the backfield that would be something.
I voted yes until I read the comments and i would change my vote to know. We are much better developing Ellis and investing in another draft prospect. i think DT, either starter or substantive reserve, is more of a need. If you think about it, if you can shut down a running game and put teams in 3 and long consistently, and have decent corners, your DEs are going to look good. As much as sacks are an important individual stat, I think they reflect more on how the entire defensive unit plays as a whole. It is just to difficult for any one person to rack up stats by individual effort without the benefit of favorable down and distance situations and a decent backfield.
Listening to Deacon Jones on M+M:
He said that sacks aren’t as important as pressure. Something to the effect of (paraphrasing) “They can give you 7 sacks and still beat you 40-7. Pressure’s the most important thing. …Getting in the QB’s face and roughing him up a bit every down…”
"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"
"It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 28, 2009 10:22 AM EST reply actions
He should know.
He was pretty good at both
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Jan 28, 2009 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
I posted it in response to what I think you stated yesterday. It makes sense, definitely. But sacks, they still seem like the pot of gold at the end of the pressure rainbow.
"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"
"It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 28, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
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