Bills schedule free agent visit with LB Tinoisamoa
by Brian Galliford on May 12, 2009 8:15 AM EDT
in News
114 comments
Tinoisamoa (right), 27, had 104 tackles in 2008 (photo source)
As reported last evening by ESPN.com's Tim Graham, the Buffalo Bills will host a free agent visit with recently released St. Louis Rams OLB Pisa Tinoisamoa.
Tinoisamoa, who will turn 28 just prior to training camp this season, has spent all of his six NFL seasons in St. Louis, where he broke into the starting lineup as a rookie. He has struggled some with injuries over the past few seasons; he missed five games in 2006 and another seven in 2007, though he did play in all 16 games last season. Tinoisamoa - 6'1" and a reported 220 pounds - can best be described as active and athletic, but not a game-changer.
We discussed just last week the fact that of all of their many needs, the Bills wisely let linebacker go the longest without being addressed. As it stands now, incumbent starter Keith Ellison would retain his role next season, with serious challenges from free agent signee Pat Thomas, rookie Nic Harris and second-year pro Alvin Bowen. None of those names have the experience nor the productivity of Tinoisamoa.
SB Nation's St. Louis Rams blog, Turf Show Times, had this to say upon Pisa's release last week:
It was hard to question his motor, but his lack of consistency frustrated observers the most. Tinoisamoa, however, was the man without a position with the move of (Will) Witherspoon from the middle back to his natural role on the weak-side. Pisa, at 220 lbs, is a little smallish for the strong-side. We speculated this might be coming earlier in the spring.
The blog also discussed reports that Tinoisamoa, just a day after his release from St. Louis, was already on the radar of the New England Patriots. If that isn't extra incentive to try to get something done today on Buffalo's part, I don't know what is.
In Buffalo, Tinoisamoa would man the SAM linebacker role - a position which holds the responsibilities of a weak-side linebacker in a traditional 4-3 defense. As the team's two sure-fire starters, Paul Posluszny and Kawika Mitchell, are "thumpers" by nature, the athleticism of Tinoisamoa would be a nice complement - particularly in nickel packages, where the limited athleticism of Mitchell has been exposed.
Tip of the hat to 'O.J. is My Bodyguard' for breaking the story here last night in this FanShot.
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Not a single no vote yet.
Pisa would be an upgrade and wouldn’t break the bank. It’s definately worth it to bring him in and he is by far the best option to come through the doors of OBD this offseason at OLB.
He has been productive in this league. You can’t ask for a whole lot more than that.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on May 12, 2009 8:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think his biggest selling point is that he brings a significant upgrade at a low price. I don’t need to know much more then that in order to like him at this point.
by CanadianBillsFan on May 12, 2009 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see why there should be. It makes soo much sense, it can’t hurt us. He is definitely an upgade, and has a ton of talent. He will help this defense that was terrible against the run and pass. And don’t forget, if we get him, New England can’t and we wont have to face him.
T.O.+Florence+Rhodes+Hangartner+Maybin+Wood+Byrd+Levitre+Nelson+Harris-Peters= MORE THAN 1 DIVISION WIN
by poz51 on May 12, 2009 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Welcome to the blog.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on May 13, 2009 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why would the Pats be interested in him? Isn’t he far too small to play LB in their 3-4?
by Ron From NM on May 12, 2009 8:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Pats don’t have a LB under 240#.
by Ron From NM on May 12, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
theres a first for everything. Plus I think the Pisa could easily gain another 10 to 15 with more time in the weight room if it was imposed by his coaches.
by CanadianBillsFan on May 12, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
to make
sure the cagey Dick Jauron doesn’t get him….
MARVelous - "I went from America's team to North America's Team" Terrell Owens
by MARVelous on May 12, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes!
cagey Dick Jauron….greatest nickname ever…
Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. - Pete Prisco
Brandon Rodd!! Our best player.
by poz on May 12, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tricky Dick Jauron?
Yeah, it’s associated with a sociopathic former president. On the other hand it’s better than Predictable Dick Jauron.
by Ron From NM on May 12, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll stick with the King of CAC
~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."
by Kurupt on May 12, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m still looking for a satisfying explanation of that nickname.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on May 12, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s PG-13
~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."
by Kurupt on May 12, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So that there fans can yell “Wicked Pisa!”
~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."
by Kurupt on May 12, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is hilarious….
Where else would you rather be...
by Slick Shifty on May 12, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he’s a good athlete. that’s probably reason enough. he’s fast, too – really fast.
by the_prophet on May 12, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t know much about him until he became a free agent, but he seems to be a more sure tackler than Ellison. Seems like he takes better angles and would have the speed to stay with the faster TE and some Rb’s coming out of the backfield. By not signing Peters we should have the room to do this. By trading Peters we could end up with Wood, Nelson, and Pisa all for less than it would have cost just to re-sign Peters.
I also always like players who were young captians and then move to a different team where they just have to play football and not take on the captian or leadership role. Usually ex-captians are guys who understand the game as well as schemes.
by Berg79 on May 12, 2009 9:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Isn’t this guy just a more experienced Ellison? Both undersized but athletic….
by Harris on May 12, 2009 9:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ellison’s not very athletic. Pisa wipes the floor with Ellison in terms of athleticism.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on May 12, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea not only that
hes a better tackler and hes a better leader and hes more productive
Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. - Pete Prisco
Brandon Rodd!! Our best player.
by poz on May 12, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fewell familiar with Pisa?
Not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but I believe Perry Fewell would have been in St Louis when Pisa was drafted and had his great rookie season. If the Bills do sign him I would have a great deal of confidence that they know exactly what type of work ethic and player they are getting.
He could also bring THE HAKA:
http://www.thirdandfifteen.com/2009/05/bills-leaning-towards-pisa.html
by ra001m on May 12, 2009 9:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah and here is the site
by Shovel51 on May 12, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think fewell has enough pull that if he really wants this kid on the roster it will happen.. unless he wants a rediculous amount of money..which i doubt, pisa has to see this as a good fit, as do the bills..
and because of him being familiar w/ fewell and being that it would be a good fit for him i can’t see him asking for through the roof money..
by Shovel51 on May 12, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A Mesy Micey Pisa Pie.....
First we can’t be sure if he is an upgrade or not, on paper it looks like an upgrade from his starting experience alone. Is he better then Ellison, DiGeorgio, Bowens or newly signed Thomas? I have no problem with the Bills signing Pisa, in fact the more competition in camp—-the better the team will be. Bring him in and let the competition begin. Remember last year when the Bills brought in CB Will James (who was ultimately cut)—-what happened, Yo—-Booty had is best camp. The defense needs to upgrade the front 7 so bring in the bodies and get the pads a popping!!!
PS: don’t trust anything the Pats do they are sly like a fox!!!
by Goose22 on May 12, 2009 10:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bingo!
I was going to write a reply explaining my thoughts on this but you said it perfectly. COMPETITION! If he signs there would be 4 or 5 guys all competing for 1 starting spot. Competition breeds excellence. Let them all fight it out in training camp and the cream will rise to the top.
I'll donate $1 to help Mary Wilson pay the estate tax...who's with me?!?
by O.J. Is My Bodyguard on May 12, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then why oh why did they waste a draft pick on someone they plan on converting to LB? Why bring in someone else to challenge this guy (who most likely won’t beat him out – most likely leading to his being cut) when they’re still VERY thin at the DE spot? I don’t understand it and I never will.
"It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on May 12, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just because Pisa T. visits, it is no guarantee that he will sign with the Bills. In addition, the draft was almost a month ago. They couldn’t have predicted what would be happening this week. Bringing in Pisa T. is just OBD doing their due diligence and trying to get better Nic Harris et. al. are just a part of that whole process. Please don’t tell me you think Ellison is the best option at OLB.
I'll donate $1 to help Mary Wilson pay the estate tax...who's with me?!?
by O.J. Is My Bodyguard on May 12, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
or
that a 5th round pick is definitely going to develop into anything. Lets stop putting our faith in late round picks. If they develop then you have the luxury of not resigning high profile guys, you dont bank on them developing and not fill needs waiting for a 5th rounder to become the guy.
Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. - Pete Prisco
Brandon Rodd!! Our best player.
by poz on May 12, 2009 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.
At worst Nic Harris and Alvin Bowen can be special teams guys who are developing at LB. I don’t think we have much of that potential with Corto or Costanzo.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on May 13, 2009 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have to remember that Pisa was still with the Rams when the draft happened, so the Bills had no idea that he would be available. And by everything I’ve read, Harris will need some work before he’s ready to play at LB. So maybe we sign Pisa to a 3 or 4 year deal while we properly develop Harris to be his replacement. Plus Harris and Pisa have comparable frames and playing styles, so you can even train Harris to play like Pisa if you wanted.
You say Harris was a waste of a pick if we sign Pisa. I say that sining Pisa will show the forsight needed to develop Harris properly.
by CanadianBillsFan on May 12, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Pisa is signed, I don’t see Thomas making it out of training camp. One LB will surely be cut, and I think Thomas will be the odd man out.
by CanadianBillsFan on May 12, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
great!
who needs Pat Thomas? Not us if we have Pisa!
Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. - Pete Prisco
Brandon Rodd!! Our best player.
by poz on May 12, 2009 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well lets look at who we have.
Poz and Mitchell are staying. Pisa would be our starting SAM. Ellisson will be a great backup. DiGi, Corto and Costanzo are all special team standouts. Harris is our developmental LB. Thomas is obviously the odd man out.
by CanadianBillsFan on May 12, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what about
Bowen?
Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. - Pete Prisco
Brandon Rodd!! Our best player.
by poz on May 12, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um… let’s see… Bowen as another sub and Harris on the PS?
by CanadianBillsFan on May 12, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For now, I see him as a sub, but with a little bit more experience, I think he can compete for a starting job.
T.O.+Florence+Rhodes+Hangartner+Maybin+Wood+Byrd+Levitre+Nelson+Harris-Peters= MORE THAN 1 DIVISION WIN
by poz51 on May 12, 2009 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bowen or Harris? I honestly think that Harris needs a year on the PS to fully transition to LB.
by CanadianBillsFan on May 12, 2009 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Corto isn’t making the team over some of those guys….Costanzo probably won’t either if we add more depth….
~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."
by Kurupt on May 12, 2009 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Buffalo keeps a pure special teamer as a 7th LB. Thomas or Harris could potentially fill that role, but I think Costanzo is as likely to make the team as Thomas even if we add Pisa.
And does anybody have a way to find out how many games that Corto was active for last season? And I don’t mean on the 53 man roster, but rather how many games he was on the 45 man active vs. the 8 inactive players.
by kaisertown on May 12, 2009 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Bowen would be a good fit for that role too. If we add a guy like Pisa, I could see Costanzo making it over a guy like Thomas because of ST’s. Isn’t Thomas a decent ST player though, as well?
I’m pretty sure Corto was active for every single game. NFL.com, pro-football-reference.com. ESPN, bb.com and SB Nation all list him as playing in all 16 games.
~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."
by Kurupt on May 12, 2009 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kaiser,
Even if they keep a strictly special teams guy it could be Corto, Costanzo, Thomas, Harris, or Bowen. Thomas was mainly a special teams guy in KC from what I have read. Harris and Bowen are unproven and could do special teams while developing on the defense. Corto and Costanzo seem more likely to get cut to me because I don’t think they provide solid depth at the LB position.
My money is on Mitchell, Poz, Ellison, Digi, Harris, Bowen and if he signs Pisa. If he doesn’t sign then Thomas may win out over Corto and Costanzo.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on May 13, 2009 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Buffalo keeps:
Whoever wins the starting jobs. In this scenario it’s Mitchell, Poz and Pisa.
They then keep Digi because he’s the only other MLB on the roster.
Harris probably has too much long term potential to cut and it’s rarely a good idea to cut your 5th round pick.
So Buffalo then keeps whoever the best LB is that’s left. That’s probably Ellison.
And my belief is that Buffalo will keep whoever the best special teamer is, regardless of how good of a LB they are and regardless of how much potential they have. I think Costanzo is the best special teamer of the linebackers and that’s why I think he’s the favorite out of the Thomas, Corto, Bowen group to make the team. Obviously, it could be one of the other guys, but I think Costanzo is the most likely.
by kaisertown on May 13, 2009 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Thomas was a special teamer in KC.
Just because we don’t know a lot about him doesn’t make him less good. If he is marginally different than Costanzo on special teams and a much better option at back-up OLB, he should be the guy on the team. If Costanzo or Corto are head and shoulders better on special teams I could see Bobby April getting to pick him.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on May 14, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they are fighting for the 7th LB role, then I’m not sure defense matters one bit. Especially for Thomas and his one year contract. If he would need at least two injuries to see playing time on defense, then I think it’s smarter to take the player who’s better on specials, even if it’s just a marginal difference.
Thomas might be a solid special teamer, but the fact that he only played in 17 games in his first 4 NFL seasons suggests that he isn’t the stud on STs that I think Costanzo is.
by kaisertown on May 14, 2009 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not crazy about him
He just seems too small. I had an opportunity to watch him this year and the best way to deal with him was to run right at him. He couldn’t hold the point at all and was basically a speed bump.
by telka on May 12, 2009 10:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD NO!!!
I’ll be the 1st no vote and break the proverbial seal on this one. He is not an upgrade over what we currently have on the roster at the position. I’m from the STL area so I’ve had the opportunity to see the guy play quite regularly and he couldn’t be any less consistent. At least you know you’re getting a steady performer in Ellison. I’m not for it at all. Let him go to the Pats. If they’re into inconsistent, overrated linebackers that don’t fit their system then I can get down with that.
by live6453 on May 12, 2009 10:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
steady performer in Ellison
I’m sorry what?
Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. - Pete Prisco
Brandon Rodd!! Our best player.
by poz on May 12, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, Ellison is steady. So was Preston.
by Ron From NM on May 12, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ok so you've seen stl play.. have you seen our bills play? jw if you think ellison a steady performer.. maybe a steadily inconsistannt perform.. actually i can't even think of one great play he made all year..
however w/ that said.. if he’s our day one starter i’m fine w/ that.. because we know what to expect from him..
by Shovel51 on May 12, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I voted no
UNLESS he puts some pounds on.
"It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on May 12, 2009 10:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
this is a tampa 2, not a 4-6 bear. we’re not looking for lumbering LBs. he’d be a real freak to be as fast as he is and yet be 250lbs.
by the_prophet on May 12, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn’t Buffalo just draft a 220ish pound safety to convert him to LB? Buffalo isn’t shy about playing small guys at LB…
by Ron From NM on May 12, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Harris is at least 230 right now, and they expect him to end up around 240....
~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."
by Kurupt on May 12, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, they did just draft a guy to move to LB. It doesn’t mean I have to agree with it. It also doesn’t mean it’s the best plan of attack for this team.
I loathe the undersized lbs, who are just glorified safeties. I want true definition between all layers in a defense. What it comes down to is that I care little for the 4-3, and even more for running it in the style of a tampa-2.
Help me out by naming truly great small-sized LBers. I know there has to be some, but I can’t think of any. I can name a ton of them that play on the heavier side though.
"It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on May 12, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Derrick Brooks
~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."
by Kurupt on May 12, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i just hope that if we do get this guy it doesn't cost harris a roster spot because i think this kid can be a heck of a football player in our scheme..
of course if the staff sees that in him in camp they will find a spot for him.. if he has the upside, and intangibles they are looking for..
by Shovel51 on May 12, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To me, I see the organization drafting small LBers to play on ST. If they fit on the field as a true ’backer, more power to ’em.
"It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on May 12, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We already had that on the roster.
Nic Harris was drafted as a possible starter, probably depth at LB like Keith Ellison was back in the day.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on May 13, 2009 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jack Lambert
Delightfully Ignoring The Truth since 1995.
by NeverendingOptimism on May 13, 2009 12:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jack Ham and Mike Singletary
Delightfully Ignoring The Truth since 1995.
by NeverendingOptimism on May 13, 2009 2:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I voted no
Unless we reshuffle deck and put the three Lbs as follows:
Kawika MLB
Poz SAM
Pisa WLB
by freddyjj on May 12, 2009 11:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Plus you forget that we play our LB’s in a reverse role from the traditional 4-3. Our Will has the responsibilities of a SAM and our SAM has the ones of a WILL. Pisa would have the exact same resposibilities that he had in STL, so why would there be any need to move LB’s around?
by CanadianBillsFan on May 12, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Free Agent Success
Has anyone done any research on how the Buffalo Bills free agency success rate compares to the rest of the NFL? A typical Bills fan would assume that we haven’t faired very well in the past 8-9 years. What criteria would you use to determine whether a team is successful?
by Byrdeputt on May 12, 2009 11:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think that we’re probably the team that has had the most FA sucess this season, especially if we add Pisa Tinoisamoa. The criteria I’d use is how many positions of need were filled and how much the overall team improved. I challenge anyone to find another team that has done more to improve their team in positions of need this offseason.
by CanadianBillsFan on May 12, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What classifies as success?
Most free agents don’t perform as well for their new team as they did for their first team. In Buffalo or anywhere else.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on May 13, 2009 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
fletcher, walker, mitchell, stroud, and a few others came to mind, but most of the ones i was thinking of are recent acquisitions. i can’t think of anyone besides fletcher that’s come in through FA in the last ten years and was around for more than a few years…and made a difference, of course.
seriously, though, look at our team. we drafted our entire secondary (until Florence, of course) except for Wilson, who was a street FA when everyone broke something a few years ago. drafted poz, ellison, everyone except for mitchell. D-Line, stroud and spencer johnson were FAs, but denny, schobel, kelsay, ellis, mccargo were drafted. offense, all of our skill positions except for owens and rhodes were drafted. our o-line is the most populated with free agents, and out of eleven or twelve players, only three or four (i think, i’m not familiar with some names on that list) are from other teams.
by the_prophet on May 12, 2009 11:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
whoops, that was supposed to be a reply to byrdeputt’s comment.
by the_prophet on May 12, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about Takeo Spikes?
Delightfully Ignoring The Truth since 1995.
by NeverendingOptimism on May 12, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's who i was thinking..
ted washington, sam adams, sam gash, milloy (was ok for a year or two), theres been a few, walker has been a pleasant surprise i’d say to this point.. and if he can transition well to LT i would consider him a vital part of this offense,,,
but we’ve never really been real active in free agency…
by Shovel51 on May 12, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bryce Paup was quite successful, as was bledsoe at first,
Football. Bloody Hell!!
by gregeng on May 12, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best two names so far.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on May 13, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
O-line
The Bills have been neglecting the O-line for years in the draft except for Mike" sissy boy, camel humping, wing snorting, lard ass" Williams. They have signed free agents that bombed or drafted players like Pennington, Mertz, Geisinger,McFarland, Sobieski etc in the late rounds hoping they will develop which they never did. It was important the the Bills attempt to shore up the middle of the line with high picks—-now it is up to the coaches to get them as ready as possible.
Other notable FA’s—-Malloy, Vincent, Fowler, Royal, Posey, Prieleou, Lindell & Moorman
by Goose22 on May 12, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i wouldn’t call most of the names on that list notable outside of the last two. milloy wasn’t a factor on the field after the first year, fowler was cut, royal was cut, jeff posey didn’t do much while he played.
by the_prophet on May 12, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fowler was not re-signed.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on May 13, 2009 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We had Wilson in camp as a WR actually.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on May 13, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
check this out
Ellison never had his own commercial…
by bruuuuce_02 on May 12, 2009 12:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He is small in that video…
I voted no…
Where else would you rather be...
by Slick Shifty on May 12, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This dude is quick like a puma, and lays hits I’ve never seen Ellison even think about. He is a leader, and would be a huge asset to this team.
by bruuuuce_02 on May 12, 2009 1:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure we need to put so much pressure Tinoisamoa to be our best linebacker
I can see him simply being a well placed cog like (and I know I’m gonna take a lot of flack for this,) Jeff Posey. Yes I mentioned Jeff Posey now for those of you who forgot Jeff Posey was a player who posted his best statistical year in 2002 with the Texans. The Bills picked him up in 2003 and he helped cement a ligitimate LB corp with Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher. While his individual statistics went down the unit as whole contributed to a defense that was the second best in the NFL in 2003 and 2004.
Now I realize that those defenses had Pat Williams, Antoine Winfield, Nate Clements, Takeo Spikes, and London Fletcher. But none of those guys have since been on an overall defense that has ranked that high.
Yes I’m saying it I want Pisa Tinoisamoa to be our next Jeff Posey. Do your worse.
by MichiganBillsFan84 on May 12, 2009 1:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey I actually liked Posey when he was with us. He wasn’t a difference paker, but he did exactly what was asked of him and did it very well. I’d be very happy if Pisa could be simular to Posey in that respect.
by CanadianBillsFan on May 12, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
totally
agree. I would love it if Pisa contributed like a Posey. Which he will…..if we sign him….
Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. - Pete Prisco
Brandon Rodd!! Our best player.
by poz on May 12, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea i just want an annoucment right now!
if he leaves hes going to Boston next, bank on it. And after losing McKenzie they’ll sign him. Then we’ll see how much all the Pisa haters like him when hes chasing our running backs down all over the field. Just sign him to keep him off the Pats!
Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. - Pete Prisco
Brandon Rodd!! Our best player.
by poz on May 12, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lets make sure he doesn’t leave. Ask him what he wants, and if it’s not totlay unreasonable, offer him 500K more. Or basicly, make him a godfather offer.
by CanadianBillsFan on May 12, 2009 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You guys are pining for production like Jeff freakin’ Posey gave us? OUCH, talk about low expectations!
The guy never gave us more than 65 tackles in a season, and for a supposed excellent blitzing LB, he gave us 9.5 sacks in three years. Ellison was as productive as he was for the most part. If we bring in Tinoisamoa, I hope he’s more productive and impactful that those two.
~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."
by Kurupt on May 12, 2009 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can hear it now..
And now lets introduce the bills linebackers……..
“First theres Paul Pos, pus luz, pos luz ny
Next Ka vick, Kia vicka, Ka vicka Mitchell
And last…. Piso, Pisa Tino, Pisa Tona is a moa, Pisa Tina moe ah"
haha
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
by NCbillsfan12 on May 12, 2009 1:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Just think if
John madden saying that
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
by NCbillsfan12 on May 12, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
See now your making me wish Madden hadn’t retired!
by CanadianBillsFan on May 12, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sign him...
to a reasonable deal that would also be acceptable to OBD should he be a backup. If he’ll take the deal and know that he will be given the starting spot, I think he brings nothing but good things to the Bills. Don’t sleep on Bowen/N. Harris though, if they show to be better at the POA than Ellison/Tinoz, then I think they see more PT than the latter even if they don’t start.
by NorCal BillsFan on May 12, 2009 1:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
*that he will not be given the starting spot"
by NorCal BillsFan on May 12, 2009 1:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why is it that we HAVE to have every player that hits the market?
I don’t get it.
by Moneyballer23 on May 12, 2009 3:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I do.
Its because we have so many holes on the team and the coaching staff has to win or they’re gone. TO filled a need that has been there for multiple seasons at WR. TE has been a need for multiple seasons and we finally drafted to fill it. C was a need for multiple seasons and Hangartner finally filled it. Are you seeing a pattern there? While other teams gradually fill needs through multiple off-seasons we’ve had the same weaknesses for three straight. OLB has been a weakness for multiple seasons now. First we had Crowell and no Mitchell then we had Mitchell and no Crowell. So now we are going to have to fill it all at once.
Guards Brad Butler and Brandon Rodd are decent. - Pete Prisco
Brandon Rodd!! Our best player.
by poz on May 12, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When you put it that way
it makes things seem more desperate. I guess what I meant by that statement was that it seems like we have been drooling over every LB to hit the market (Foote, HIll, now this guy). Don’t get me wrong, “leading tackler” sounds great to my ears too.
by Moneyballer23 on May 13, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone talking about Favre?
It’s a position where we can greatly improve and a good who is very good at his job.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on May 13, 2009 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
GOD NO
he needs to hike out in to the Mississippi wilderness and get lost
by Moneyballer23 on May 13, 2009 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I meant the LB.
We haven’t been talking about every free agent. Nobody mentioned Favre.
We talk about the LBs because we could use an upgrade there. Simple as that.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on May 14, 2009 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK, I'm officially confused now
Tinoisamoa would man the SAM linebacker role – a position which holds the responsibilities of a weak-side linebacker in a traditional 4-3 defense
Can someone explain this to me? I was thinking that Graham was messing up by saying that Mitchell plays strong side and that the Bills have an opening on the weak side where Ellison and Crowell played (I thought WILL = weak side = Mitchell and SAM =strong-side = Ellison). How does Buffalo’s defense differ from a traditional 4-3 other than smaller, more athletic linebackers generally? What would make Pisa a better strong side in our defense rather than at Mitchell’s spot?
by thejimbo on May 12, 2009 4:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The key to understanding it came from Cato June’s free agent visit earlier this off-season.
He was basically asked if he could play SAM in a Tampa 2. He responded by saying that he’s mostly played WILL, but that SAM in Buffalo’s scheme has more in common with the traditional WILL than the traditional SAM. He said that Buffalo basically terms the two backwards.
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by Brian Galliford on May 12, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is that any less confusing to you?
No night spent pantsless is a wasted night.
by sireric on May 12, 2009 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
not really
I never understood making distinctions between one side of the field or the other (and if you’re going to make such distinctions, it would be nice to refer to the positions consistently). I realize that you want to put your better pass-rushing DE on the left to attack the blind side of the typical rightie quarterback (and consequently the offense puts the quicker OT there as well). But, why make the distinctions with outside linebackers? and what makes something a weak side versus a strong side if not directly referring to the side of the field that the position is on?
by thejimbo on May 12, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To simplify, the strong side is whichever side the offense lines up more players on. Basically, it’s whichever side the TE is on. So strong vs. weak isn’t about left and right, it’s about when the offensive line is unbalanced.
I wouldn’t say that Buffalo flips the positions, but more that they flip the responsibilities and that balances out the spots. What I mean by that is in a classic 4-3 a WILL is either responsible for the outside of the OT or he doesn’t have a gap responsibility and just flows to the ball. In this defense, Mitchell as the WILL is typically responsible for a gap between an OT and OG and that requires him to be more stout than the SAM is. Another difference is that a Tampa 2 rarely blitzes, but the Bills blitz Mitchell more than a quater of the time which means that he has to be able to disengage an offensive lineman to make a tackle.
The SAM lines up over the TE and as a result, his coverage responsibilities are more difficult. He is responsible for the gap to the outside of the TE which gives him more freedom to flow to the ball than the WILL has.
It’s also important to realize that while the responsibilities are flipped, the SAM is going to get run at far more often than the WILL.
by kaisertown on May 12, 2009 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
why hasn’t the buffalo news reported this?
by chaucer on May 12, 2009 6:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The visit isn’t happening until tomorrow.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on May 12, 2009 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey all....
I havent taken the time to go through all the posts here so I am not sure if anyone has mentioned it, but, just looking at the blog I am questioning his weight. My understanding over the last few years of watching Pisa for my fantasy season is that he is usually at a playing weight of 240lbs. Did he lose 20 lbs in the offseason for some reason? There is no way this Hawaiian weighs in at anything less than 235 – 240 lbs.
"If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?"
~Vince Lombardi~
by Hambone on May 12, 2009 7:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He played at 220 last year.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on May 12, 2009 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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