Owens gamble starting to pay off for Bills
by Brian Galliford on Dec 1, 2009 8:45 AM EST
in Buffalo Bills News
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PrintThe Buffalo Bills shocked the football world on March 7, 2009 when they signed enigmatic and controversial receiver Terrell Owens to a one-year, $6.5 million deal. Though the contract was considered low-risk for both sides, the move reeked of desperation for both parties - Owens didn't have many suitors, and the Bills were scrambling to field a winner. For both sides of the deal, it was a gamble worth taking.
That gamble hasn't paid off in the way fans of the team - and even fans of Owens himself - had wished. The Bills are 4-7, the only team in the NFL with an interim head coach, and an offense that T.O. was supposed to fix still doesn't have a legitimate pro quarterback.
The end result hasn't been pleasant, but in recent weeks, Owens is starting to prove his doubters wrong. Many media critics called Owens washed up, or would mention his "deteriorating skills," but you can bet that NFL personnel executives - particularly those on teams a piece or two away from a championship run - are noticing that Owens is back. In his last two games, Owens has caught 14 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns, which went for 98 and 51 yards.
Enjoy it while you can, folks. We're only guaranteed five more games of one of the NFL's greatest players of all-time suiting up in a Bills uniform.
The Fitzpatrick Effect
Owens' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, talked up Trent Edwards upon his client's signing in Buffalo, calling him a talented young quarterback with great promise. These were sentiments that Owens himself echoed at the time of his signing, as well as early in the season. But it's now painfully clear that Owens never developed a clean rapport with the third-year quarterback. It's also clear that Edwards' successor at starting quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, has established that rapport, and done so quickly.
In the seven games that Edwards started this season - and thus, they were seven games in which Buffalo attempted to execute game plans for Edwards - Owens caught 18 passes for 300 yards and one touchdown. Those numbers are awful, particularly when considering Owens' Hall of Fame credentials. Owens was also held without a catch in a game for the first time since his rookie season (1996) in Week 3, a game that Edwards started.
In the four games that Fitzpatrick has started, however, Owens has been dominant. In those contests, he has 22 catches for 359 yards and three touchdowns, one of them coming on a reverse in a Week 8 loss to Houston. He's been more involved in the game plan with Fitzpatrick at the helm, and his numbers have been excellent. Buffalo's offense has resembled a real-life NFL offense in those weeks, too.
What was lost in the signing
When the signing of Owens went down, fans immediately spoke of two major points: the potential risks (i.e. Owens' locker room issues) and the potential he gave Buffalo's offense. What very few spoke of, however, was the fact that Owens is, quite literally, a living legend. He's one of the most prolific players in NFL history - a bona fide playmaker - and Buffalo hasn't seen the likes of talent like his in quite some time.
I understand that priority number one for the fan base is that the Bills finally put together a winner. In a season that no longer carries legitimate playoff implications, however, watching Owens is fun again. It's tough to grasp in such a difficult season just how lucky we are to see such a phenomenal player don our team's uniform. At age 35, the man still does things that very few NFL receivers past or present are capable of. He's starting to do them in Buffalo, too.
In terms of its ultimate goal, the Owens experiment has failed in Buffalo. Owens told reporters that he'd return the key to the city of Buffalo that he was given last July if the Bills didn't make the playoffs, so he's got roughly two more months of possession time with that key. But with five games left in yet another transitional season for this organization, Owens' play of late is providing a nice little escape for fans. We get to witness T.O. in Buffalo for five more weeks. Enjoy it, because we may never see a player quite like him on our team again.
T.O. in 2010?
Everyone's favorite question to ask at this time is whether or not the Bills will pursue a contract extension for Owens. His one-year deal expires next March, and at that time he'll be free to sign with any NFL team that wants him.
Forget about the over-the-hill comments. Owens is still an elite player. He's got plenty left in the tank. True, he might be a little more inclined to blow up next season once his obligatory one-year grace period runs out, but there are risks with signing any player.
For now, it's tough to speculate, because the Bills have much, much bigger fish to fry. They need to re-structure their front office, and they might need a new head coach as well. Odds are slim that Owens stays in Buffalo anyway, but they decrease dramatically if Perry Fewell isn't given the team's permanent head coaching job. It's very unlikely that a new regime in Buffalo would keep a player like Owens around, no matter how talented or productive he is.
Still, it's tough to be averse to Owens re-signing in Buffalo, because he's a phenomenal player. He can still be the centerpiece of an elite offense. I certainly wouldn't mind seeing him in Buffalo next season, but you're free to disagree with me. Hence the poll.
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As much as I wouldn’t mind him staying here, other teams are seeing what we are – he’s still a number 1 guy. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a real contender sign him. Especially since there are teams that need real receiving help – the chicago bears come to mind.
I thought that you said a contender would want him.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 1, 2009 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
Haha, no doubt
The Bears are as bad as we are, maybe worse
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
I’ll say worst since they gave away a bunch of high draft picks for a QB that seems to be all hype.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 1, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
owens makes them a contender. they got a franchise qb who can throw the 100 yard bomb; brian urlacher will be back and their defense will return
cutler has no one to throw to now.
by quantumuprising on Dec 1, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
He seems to be finding plenty of individuals with the opposite jersey to throw to.
Bill Polian and AJ Smith are gone, so there's not the usual balance between "sane" and "others." Ralph has mentally checked out since 1994. It's a very dangerous time. The coalition for reason is extremely weak.
the bears should trade for them!
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
by JPH on Dec 1, 2009 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, because he has no one in a bears jersey to throw to.
The bears are the bills opposite – pro bowl qb, no receivers.
by quantumuprising on Dec 1, 2009 2:00 PM EST up reply actions
Ever though that the only thing that made Cutler a pro-Bowl QB is the fact that the Broncos have one of the best receiving corps (WR and TE) in the NFL?
Cutler is an average QB with a big arm. His accuracy is questionable and his decision making is average to horrible (average in regular games, horrible in big games).
I don’t remember the exact numbers, but ESPN aired on his Monday night game that in his 11 career nationally broadcasted games he has like a 6/15 touchdown to INT ratio. Those aren’t Pro-Bowl QB numbers, heck those are worst numbers then Trent has in big games!
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 1, 2009 2:39 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think it would happen.
for exactly the reasons you’ve pointed out with the HC change and also the potential QB change. Thats the bigger, more importaint question that the bills find a qb for next year (and years to come) You can have all the talent at WR that you want, but a good, consistant QB makes all the difference, just ask Matt Leinart.
I know im not breaking any ground in this arguement, just felt like stating my opinion. I would be in favor of Owens round 2, but doubt it would happen.
"always thinking one step ahead, like a carpenter...who makes stairs..."
by dragonwag0n on Dec 1, 2009 8:54 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Wish he would stay...
But I can’t imagine he will. He has been provided some quality on-field play and a nice distraction off-the-field (I for one got a good chuckle out of the media firestorm he created at the beginning of the season by NOT throwing anyone under the bus). Now that I’ve been able to see him play and in interviews all the time it seems like he is a decent guy who is just hyper-competitive… and I don’t think there is anything wrong with that.
My biggest concern with losing him would be any of the potential "dominoes" that would fall for other parts of the offense. Namely, defenses being able to stack the box a bit more and a permanent double-cover on Lee Evans. But Lee hasn’t been any more or less successful than last season, so I am inclined to think his production will have a lot more to do with the quality of the QB play and the o-line being able to give him time to get downfield. Same probably goes for the rushing game. I would love to see T.O. come back for another year, but am hopeful that losing him won’t be too much of a step back for the offense.
by Squirmin' Thurman on Dec 1, 2009 9:59 AM EST reply actions
also agree
I would like him to stay, because I think the good outweighs the bad, at least for now.
However, I really doubt he’ll be a Bill next year, which is a shame.
I’ve posted it before a few times. TO is a competitor beginning middle and end, it is who and what he is. Everyone complained about DJ not showing emotion and the same people were complaining that TO was. That made no sense to me but whatever. If you want to win games he is THE GUY to sign he will do his best and he will “encourage” other players to as well. It is in quotes because his encouragement may not be so much encouragement as yelling at people who he feels are not doing their best. That is what discourages him is when other players are just not trying
With that said there is no real reason to keep him around unless you are planning to make a serious playoff run next year, he may be skilled but he is still getting old and will decline. So my opinion is if you want to make a playoff run I want him to stay, if not let him go.
Here's My take on TO and our Offense next year
We need 5 things to have a dominant offense next season:
1. An offensive minded head coach that will concentrate on our offense. And he needs to be hired before the end of the playoffs. Mike Shanahan would be prefered, but there are other good names out there.
2. An upgrade at the tackle positions. This can be simply done by drafting a good LT early (first or second rounds, preferably first IMO) and moving Bell to the RT position where I think he could excel. The middle of our line is solid and with an upgrade at LT we could have a very solid line.
3. A new, quality, starting QB. This can be done in the draft, but can also be done by signing a vet QB, or trading for one. I also wouldn’t object to the Bills trading away a 5th, 6th or 7th round pick in order to obtaining the negotiating rights to a QB like Chad Pennington before he becomes a UFA, mainly because we could sign them to a new contract before free agency. I’ll explain in number 5 why this would be a good thing. Drafting a QB early (hoping for Pike in the second) would also go a long way for this team.
4. Retaining both Marshawn and Freddy. Lynch might be having a bad year (ok very bad year), but I’m sure that that if we can get number 2 done that Marshawn will bounce back. Just think if we could have last year’s Marshawn and this year’s Freddy in ou backfeild.
5. Resinging TO before he becomes a UFA. This is where getting numbers 1 and 3 done by early to mid January will come a long way to keeping TO. Like Brian said, TO is still an elite receiver, and i’m thinking that with a new coach (that is open to keeping him) and an upgrade at QB, even if it is Noodle Arm, that Terrell might just want to stick around for a couple more season. Plus keeping TO with Evans and adding a good QB (behind a decent line) between them, combined with a coach that actually knows what he’s doing may make us an offensive power house.
If we can get all 5 done, our offense could be scary next year… and not the same kind of scary that we have this year either.
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 1, 2009 10:19 AM EST reply actions
QB
You aren’t getting a new QB by mid Januaray. This team will be lucky to have their coach in place by then. It’s not happening until March at the earliest.
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
Not sure i agree with 2. Levitre and wood will be solid, IF wood can play. That’s no guarantee right now. Also, that’s assuming a move of wood to center and the replacement with a solid guard, which right now we don’t have.
by quantumuprising on Dec 1, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
I am not against picking up a LT in F/A.
But I would be if we paid 9 – 10 million a year. I agree CBF but free agency isn’t a bad option. I like the talent we have, experience has been lacking, remember that Butler was our most exprerienced lineman. Possibly due both, draft and F/A.
Lets not forget the LB position, once again, draft and F/A.
QB, depending on how Fitzy finishishes will determine where we draft and if we draft a QB. I have read all the Fitzpatrick criticism, I have even contributed some. I am not sure that this guy isn’t capable of playing. He hasn’t lit the league on fire yet, but he hasn’t been the catastrophe that everyone wants him to be so we can draft someone early.
Definately, get T.O. for one more year, he will want two but I say only one. We need to maintain that leverage at 6.5 a year.
Excuses are a sign of weakness!!!!!!
Also, We only have two RB's on the roster.
Where does that put our priority in RB during the draft. Marshawn definately needs some push, Freddy is performing well, but we are an injury away from a worse case scenerio.
Excuses are a sign of weakness!!!!!!
Freddie is also 29 next year, dangerously close to hitting the proverbial wall.
Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.
by UZ on Dec 1, 2009 9:05 PM EST up reply actions
RB is an ok pick as long as it is not Rds 1 or 2. Good RBs are much easier to come by than many other positions.
2010 Bills' truth in advertising: "Look out Cleveland, this year we score 6!" - bluecollarbuffalo
by thefourwinds on Dec 1, 2009 10:51 PM EST up reply actions
It’s a fairly deep draft when it comes to good RB’s as well, and it won’t be an incredibly highly sought positions.
Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.
by UZ on Dec 2, 2009 4:36 AM EST up reply actions
I voted no
Only because I think with the shake down that is enivitable he just won’t get resigned. Also whatever HC/GM is around I doubt they want to keep a 6.5mil roster spot for a guy that won’t help him in the long run. Realistically who ever comes in has a couple years to right the ship, by that time TO might start to lose some and it just becomes another piece in the puzzle.
I am glad they are being competetive again, but I wouldn’t mind seeing Hardy out there…
I was born in Buffalo, and NO, it's not a suburb of New York City
As much as we probably all want to see this current version of TO back
It’s not likely to happen.
Does he want to continue playing for a team that needs to rebuild?
Can he remain the good solider if this team keeps losing next year?
Why wouldn’t he want to sign with a better offense with a better QB, if given the chance?
I think TO will garner more interest this offseason. Whether that actually turns into legit offers, I do not know. If a true contender comes calling, you can bet TO will be listening.
I don’t know if I can see this franchise ponying up $7M a season to bring TO back either, especially if so much ends up getting spent on a HC (which I doubt).
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
7 million reasons
why he won’t be back. You said it. My question is "Did we get our $6.5MM’s worht this year? IMO no.
There have been numerous occasions where he has stopped his route, given up, or plain sleep-walked through one when he was not going to be the receiver on the play. That lethargy extends to his lack of enthusiasm for blocking on running plays. OK he may still have talent, but, it doesn’t help us for him to turn it on and off on his whim. The $$$ could be better spent elsewhere.
TO
Anybody know if he is still dating that model from Buffalo that was on his show? That might help keep him here, but I’m doubtful…
Hopefully he stays, but I voted NO b/c I don’t think it’s happening. It’s going to be real weird seeing him in a different jersey next year.
They are hard to play but not hard to beat.
- Mike Lombardi on the Buffalo Bills
What we are missing....
This is a talent we need but have not earned the right to have.
Look at Randy Moss, all world talent but on the Raiders. Meaning no one to get him the ball.
TO has made Fitzy look good to this point as there is effort, by Fitzy,to get him the ball.
We really haven’t, to this point, put him in the best environment to succeed(Bad QB play, Bad Line, conservative play calling and general poor execution, plus a QB constantly running for his life).
TO is looking for one final run and can we offer him that or is he just looking for one final pay day before going out to pasture? Either way I am not sure if OBD will offer the big final pay day or if they are prepared to make the run that TO is looking to make….
I want the OBD to show that A, they are commited to him financially and B, committed to him as far as fielding a team that can make him the procucer he still can be.
IDK, just a thought…..
If he wanted to stay.......I wouldnt mind........
and if he wanted to go……It wouldnt bother me none either.
Gimme Fewell, play with Fire, gimme that "W" I desire.....
by norcaliangelsfan on Dec 1, 2009 12:46 PM EST reply actions
If the Bills commit to signing a decent veteran QB, a first round rookie QB and keeping Fitz as number 3(his enormous brain-filled head is to useful to give away), then I say Owens stays. I’m not certain that he will be in high demand, anyway.
most of my posts get deleted :(
His blow up a few weeks ago....
is what this team needed under DJ. PF has his own fire and passion and that is why I think the team is more energized. PF is living every play with the team. His spirit is contagious and I look forward to the remainder of the season
PF LIVES EVERY WEEK LIKE ITS SHARK WEEK
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
by JPH on Dec 1, 2009 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
I want him back... and think he will be.
"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."
Having Owens' abilities available to your team
is worth all the risk it might involve. Plus, is there any reason to second-guess him if he blows up about this offense? Who could blame him and who could prove him wrong?
I hope they sign him to an extension and aren’t out-muscled by other teams.
Twitter: helping to make anti-social people anti-socially social.
by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 1, 2009 6:12 PM EST reply actions
2 great games does not a good year make
or something like that, and hell it was more of one great play yesterday anyway(just sayin)
The Bills will most likely clean house as they should so while I think you guys will try to retain Owens, I doubt you do,
Current Phinsider Feud Points: 23
T.Lex doesn't want to be fed, he wants to hunt. Can't just suppress sixty five million years of gut instinct.
Just think
TO only has 53 less yards than your top 2 WRs combined and 1 more TD than your entire WR corp and he’s having a bad year.
by twoeightnine on Dec 2, 2009 1:40 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
HELLS YEA!
"you just have to know there's always going to be adversity. None of these games are going to be easy. Nothing will be given to us" - Paul Posluszny
by poz on Dec 2, 2009 6:24 AM EST up reply actions
Gotta love those deluded Dolphins fans.
Way to go 289!!! Rec’d!
by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 2, 2009 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
this brings up an interesting point
Why wouldn’t the Phins pursue him? Parcells has been known to target the same players over and over (Vinny, Bledsoe, Terry Glenn, etc.) and he got him once…
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
by JPH on Dec 2, 2009 5:04 PM EST up reply actions
as long as the Bills make him an offer
TO will be back in Buffalo as long as the Bills make him an appropriate offer. I don’t think TO really wants to change teams again at this point in his career. I think he enjoys that the press spot light is a little less bright in Buffalo.
I think he enjoys that the press spot light is a little less bright in Buffalo.
If there’s one thing I know about TO, it’s how much he hates attention.
Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!
by JPH on Dec 2, 2009 5:00 PM EST up reply actions
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