Bills travel to Green Bay for third pre-season game
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2009 6:00 AM EDT
in Buffalo Bills News
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PrintThough they will be without WR Terrell Owens (toe) and DE Aaron Maybin (recently ended holdout), the Buffalo Bills are in Green Bay ready to take on the Packers in their third pre-season game of the season. Buffalo's starting units on both sides of the ball are expected to see roughly a quarter of action as their work load increases ever so slightly in preparation for the season.
The third pre-season game is traditionally the most important in that the starters play the most in that specific game, but this is not a traditional pre-season for the Bills. Buffalo will still have two more pre-season games following this game, and as such, the starters are expected to see their most extensive work of the pre-season next weekend in Pittsburgh.
But that's next week. Even without Owens and Maybin (both are expected to return to practice next week, by the way), there's plenty to pay attention to while watching tonight's matchup with the Packers. Just like last week (and every other week this season, as a matter of fact), we've got five such items that we'll be monitoring closely tonight. We suggest you do the same. Those items are after the jump.
Which DE will respond?
With Maybin officially on board and set to practice on Monday, Buffalo's current crop of defensive ends is now on watch: as many as three of them (but more likely two, or even one) could lose their jobs. In particular, Chris Ellis and Copeland Bryan will be losing reps to Maybin (though perhaps not all of them at first) in the very near future. Both players are coming off of excellent performances against Chicago a week ago today. Strong performances from either could keep them afloat not just in the battle for reps, but in the battle for roster spots. It also goes without mentioning that a strong performance in what is undeniably a difficult situation for two solid players will speak well to this coaching staff.
How will O-Line, offense look against a 3-4?
Part of the benefit of Buffalo's pre-season schedule is that the team plays back-to-back games against teams that employ 3-4 defensive fronts. The Packers are the first such team (with the Steelers being the other). It should be mentioned that this is Green Bay's first year running the system, but getting a look at any version of this front should be beneficial, as Trent Edwards & Company will see this defense six times this regular season from division opponents alone.
Will the team struggle to move the ball against the 3-4, as they did in 2008? How comfortable will Edwards look running the no-huddle against a slightly more complex defense? Perhaps most importantly, how will the re-tooled offensive line handle bigger big men and lighter, faster pass rushers? We won't get definitive answers to these questions from one quarter of football, but we should get the beginnings to answers.
The WR Rotation
Owens is sidelined. James Hardy remains on the PUP list. We heard from reliable sources last week that had WR Steve Johnson been healthy, he could have started in place of Owens, leaving Josh Reed to slot duties. Johnson, however, missed the Chicago game with a rib injury; after practicing all week, however, Johnson is likely to make his pre-season debut tonight. Will he start? It's certainly something worth watching, as it would in part indicate that Buffalo isn't completely comfortable using Reed as the primary fill-in on the outside should either Owens or Lee Evans miss a game that counts.
Young Linebacker Depth
We had this item on our list of must-watches last week, but it's full disclosure time: that didn't happen. Chalk it up to the distractions of being at a sporting event in person. At any rate, the battle for the last (likely) two roster spots at linebacker is perhaps the most ferocious battle on the entire roster, with five players making legitimate arguments to be kept. Not only will we be watching the play of the team's young linebackers closely, but the order in which they enter the game is key, too.
Jairus Byrd
At time of publish, it is still unclear whether or not Byrd, the team's second-round pick in this past April's NFL Draft, will see his first live game action of the season. Byrd has only one week of practices under his belt after returning from sports hernia surgery; still, if the plan is for Maybin to play next Saturday's pre-season game on one week of practice, why should Byrd be treated any differently if healthy? All indications are that Byrd will suit up tonight. A strong performance could hasten the departure of 2006 fourth-round pick Ko Simpson.
Now you know what we'll be watching. Let us know what you're interested in in the comments section.
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Pretty cool that so many guys are vying for backup positions on D.
Will the the fact that their roster positions, possibly their NFL careers, are on the line in the next couple of weeks raise the level of play on D? That is the Jauron Competitive Theory of Sorting Your Personnel for Regular Season Football.
Based on the Bears game, I’d say it’s working for the DE’s. Love to see those guys get after it again.
by Defensewinsgames on Aug 22, 2009 6:20 AM EDT reply actions
Im also looking foreward to the the O-line's run blocking
I really hope they can black well against this 3-4. I love seeing Wood’s intensity and I hope it catches on with the rest of the line. I’m thinking in the regular season with a successful no huddle passing attack, the run game takes advantage due to the defense being tired and anticipitating pass. I loved watching the K-gun and those delay handoffs after a few passing plays, they always seemed to work well. I’ll have to wait for the nfl network to replay it on Sunday because it wont be aired here in Boston live.
by dragonwag0n on Aug 22, 2009 8:59 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Well they couldn’t run block against the 4-3, so it won’t surprise if they can’t against the 3-4….
~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."
It gets worse
Green Bay is transitioning to the 3-4. They don’t have the right personnel yet so it’s more a concept than an acutal defense at this point. So, if the Bills struggle to run against Green Bay it doesn’t bode well for Sundays when Buffalo faces established 3-4 defenses.
Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner
by Ron From NM on Aug 22, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t say Green Bay is struggling. True, the Browns suck, but they do have a solid offensive line. They shut Cleveland out last week.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2009 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I think I saw some stat that the Browns offense hasn’t scored an offensive TD since November 17th. I’ll have to confirm that.
That’s pretty awful if it’s the case….
~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."
and it's true
the last offensive TD the Browns scored was against the Bills on Nov. 17th. Hahaha. And it shows how pathetic it was losing to that team at home on MNF…
~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."
Just stab us in the heart, why don’t you?
"Only on Rumblings can you see fans getting into arguments about the pros and cons of cutting a fourth string tight end!" - poz
by thefourwinds on Aug 22, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn’t say that Green Bay was struggled, rather that struggling to run against a newly installed 3-4 would be a bad sign for Buffalo.
Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner
Oh I’m sorry. Tell me how I’m wrong then. Until the OL gets more and more work in and we see them actually able to run block against opposing defenses, I’m not sure how that is an incorrect assessment. It’s not like I said they’ll never be able to block anyone, they just haven’t shown it yet.
~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 predict the running game tonight will do better.
I can just feel it. (this prediction is only for the starters)
Bills make me wanna SHOUT!
by silverstreak3k on Aug 22, 2009 6:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
…And those are the only ones we should truly worry about!
Gotta show the improvement tonight…
~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 Aug 22, 2009 6:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Some thoughts about analyzing the OL play.
Not all 40 fronts and 30 fronts are alike.
Example: Dallas plays a significantly different 30 front than NE. Dallas plays their 30 front like a “40 front over,” in which they don’t need big widebodies like Wilfork.
Another example: Pittsburgh’s scheme is much different than NE’s due to the amount of stunting, twists, and blitzes. NE plays a vanilla form of the 3-4, similar to the ’80’s Giants, where personnel are put into positions to win individual battles. Same as the current Dolphins.
Green Bay’s 3-4 will look a lot like Pittsburgh’s, IMO, due to Capers time in Pittsburgh; Kevin Greene is also on the Packers coaching staff.
Tennessee’s 40 front is a 46 hybrid. The 4 DL’s play like most 40 fronts, with the SDE playing a 5 technique at times. The SLB plays a similar role to a 3-4 OLB (remember how James Posey was utilized). The MLB and WLB essential play like 3-4 ILB’s.
Tennessee is a very good defense, and their scheme placed 2 DT’s and 2 LB’s between the C gaps a lot of the time. Their personnel and scheme stacking the middle has a lot to do with why we struggled running. Lots of teams can’t run against Tennessee. Even without Haynesworth, I don’t see that changing much.
Green Bay will have their NT and ILB’s between the C gaps. It’s a much different look. As an OL unit, we need to analyze blitz pick-ups, communication between the OL, and OL surge off the ball. If we do these things, we’ll be able to run.
The “so what” is that we have to look at each defense as they come and avoid generalizing.
by Der Jaeger on Aug 22, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Brian, I trust all of your reliable sources but why didn’t Johnson ever get reps ahead of Reed in camp if he was going to be Owens replacement? With T.O. out those last two practices it was still Reed that was seeing first team reps.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
… because Johnson’s ribs were hurt?
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions
OK. I can accept that for last preseason game. But what about this week? Reed was taking first team reps Wednesday… without pads. No contact.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Aug 22, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe my bad
I may be the cause of this confusion and not Brian’s info. It is my own personal belief that Reed, a superb slot receiver, is a liability at WR. He isn’t quick enough to avoid the press and tall enough to have his own way with tough corners. Hence—there never seems to be separation. He is a marvel at finding the dead spots from the slot. Again—speaking only for myself, I would prefer to see Stevie at WR and Reed in the slot when Evans/T.O can’t play. One case where I may disagree with the staff based on practice time, as MattRichWarren points out. If Johnson is 100% tonight, I suspect he will get a bunch of reps.
Geronimo
Glad to hear he’ll get reps.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Aug 22, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Happy to hear it. I’ve been looking forward to seeing Stevie get some playing time this year. I’m hoping that he can (somehwat) live up to the hype of being a fan favorite.
Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.
by CanadianBillsFan on Aug 22, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Hopefully Stevie stays healthy after a couple shots to the ribs today. I am really, really, really looking forward to his progress from last year. It’s too bad it’s been slowed some this preseason. I would think, if his run blocking has improved and become more consistent, that he would start on the outside in case of injury (like tonight). We shall see.
Thanks G
~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."
Yeah, and Johnson was still dealing with the injury, wasn’t he?
Practice reps are practice reps. And I’m not saying “Johnson will start.” I’m saying I’m curious to see if he’ll start.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
As much as I like watching cheerleaders I wish NFL Network was showing this game live. Hopefully it will be streamed online somewhere.
Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner
No sports bar for you?
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Aug 22, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
My town has no bars. There’s one outside of town but you have to drive past pretty much the entire sherrif’s department to get to it. Besides, what channel would it be on?
Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner
Wow, NM sucks ;-) j/k
I’m trying to find an online feed for tonight’s game. If I find one, i’ll let you know.
Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.
by CanadianBillsFan on Aug 22, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, we may not have bars in this part of the world but I’m guessing that we still manage to pummel you Canadian lightweights in terms of DUI rates; we had 999 DUI/DWI arrests in a single year…and there’s only 30,000 or so people in the county!
Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner
HOLY HELL!!!!!
Yeah ok, you got us beat… but I’m not sure that that should be something that your proud of :-s
Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.
by CanadianBillsFan on Aug 22, 2009 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions
No bars!?!?!?! Holy crap. I have one about 400 feet away.
~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."
Yeah but you live in NYC, everyone there has a bar 400 feet away!
Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.
by CanadianBillsFan on Aug 22, 2009 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, I live in Queens, so there aren’t nearly as many. In Manhattan, yes, there are probably some every 50 feet.
~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."
Queens does have a plethora of Irish Pubs
Particularly where I used to live in Sunnyside Gardens. My favorite is PJ Horgan’s on Queens Blvd. They have by far the best burgers in the tri-state area, IMHO.
"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban
Irish pubs are the only way to go man. I may not be Irish, but french canadian is pretty damn close in terms of alcohol consumption. And we both party like there’s no tomorrow!
Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.
by CanadianBillsFan on Aug 22, 2009 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Small towns often refuse to grant liquor licenses, so bar(s) tend to be outside of the city/town limits. Naturally, that’s where all the sheriffs deputies tend to linger in order to make the county some money on DUIs.
Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner
thats messed up
Bills make me wanna SHOUT!
by silverstreak3k on Aug 22, 2009 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Totally. I mean I could understand limiting the amount of liquor licenses that are handed out, but to flat out refuse them? That’s just asking for trouble. No wonder the amount of DUI’s you guys have is so high.
Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.
by CanadianBillsFan on Aug 22, 2009 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions
It won’t be on anywhere but WNY and Wisconsin….
~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 thought like Direct TV had all the games or something. My bad. I live local and have never had to do anything like that.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Aug 22, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
DirecTV’s Sunday Ticket has almost all of the regular season Sunday games, except the late games which are on the broadcast channels. Every now and then DirecTV won’t show a game on a Sunday afternoon, though I’ve never missed a Bills game because of it. The Sunday Ticket never shows playoff games or games that aren’t broadcast on Sunday afternoons….since they’re carried on local stations everywhere. The Sunday Ticket never shows preseason games.
Don’t get me wrong; the Sunday Ticket is essential for those of us who live in the sticks. I get every Cowboys and Broncos games, with the Cardinals and Chargers being the secondary teams in this market. Other than that I only get the popular teams (like the Steelers or Pats) on my local channels.
Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner
by Ron From NM on Aug 22, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I just bought Sunday Ticket
It doesn’t cover pre-season?
I live in Georgia, so it’s an essential buy.
Nope. The only games you’ll ever get on the Sunday Ticket are the Sunday afternoon games (1 pm and 5 pm kickoffs). For the Sunday night games, Monday night games, and late season Thursday and Saturday games you will get them through your local channels.
Here’s something to be aware of: if you turn on your chosen game on the Sunday Ticket and get a black screen with some sort of ‘unavailable’ message then the game is being shown on a local channel. I’m not sure why they do that but if you can see the game on a local channel you can’t see it on the Sunday Ticket channels. So, if your game doesn’t appear then check your local channels before getting pissed off….but keep the customer service number handy just in case.
Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner
Thanks for the info.
Referencing a post a few down from NJ Bill, is the Bills-Jets game in televised locally across NY but not here in Georgia, will it be on Sunday Ticket?
I’ve never had any game blacked out on the Ticket, no matter who was playing. I’d be so ticked if I couldn’t see a Bills game that I paid for.
~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 think the Sunday Ticket can wind up being blacked out but only if you live in the Buffalo (or opponent—if it’s an away game) area and they didn’t sell out.
Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner
For example
When the Jets and Bills play, the game is blacked out on the DirecTV channels, but it’s on the local channels. I did have a situation, where the NY channel covered a nationally televised Bills game against a non-NY opponent. The game was blacked out on DirecTV and I watched it on the local channel. Unfortunately, the game ran a little long and it was preempted by the local 4:00 game. This could happen in other cities with an NFL team as well.
"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban
It’s BS that they don’t have preseason games available. I pay like $350 or whatever it is this year, I want the preseason games too!!!
~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."
Yeah, I think that’s pretty lame myself. Overall, though, I’m really happy with the ticket. Buffalo’s games never get pre-empted or cut off because the network thinks more people want to watch some other game.
Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner
Oh I’m totally happy with it too. The preseason games would be nice live but we do get them on NFLN within a day or two.
My only gripe is the HD channels going out during a storm or sometimes even a light shower…
~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 Aug 22, 2009 2:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
In addition to not having a bar in my town we don’t get that wet stuff falling from the sky either. 300+ days of sunshine per year. What passes for the rainy season (about a 15 minute shower most days right around 4 pm) lasts from late June to early August.
Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner
Sunday Ticket isn’t same price nationwide? Sorry to say, K – but I pay $250. this is my 6th year with it – maybe I got a price for life deal.
by LeClaireBill on Aug 22, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Do you have Superfan? I do. That might be the difference. It’s an extra $100. And it’s BS that I have to pay that for all games in HD. Oh well.
If I still lived in Manhattan, they now offer all the games online. I wonder if anybody can order that, or if you need a Manhattan zip code. Here’s the link in case anyone has interest: http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/nflstonline/overview
It has to be the same nationwide. I ordered online originally.
~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."
ah,good point – no, i don’t have the superfan package.
and i agree – why should have to pay MORE to get all games in HD when i’m paying them already for HD programming?
is there a good sports bar near the helmsley on e 42nd? other than the cabana/tropic nut house on 2nd?
by LeClaireBill on Aug 22, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh yes there is!
The Bills backers bar is on 2nd Ave and 42nd, McFaddens (and Calico Jack’s). Lots of TVs. There’s another place I like on 45th b/w 2nd/3rd called The Perfect Pint.
~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 Aug 22, 2009 2:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
must have been calico jacks i was in. yikes. too crazy.
i travel to nyc frequently for work – i’ll look for the Pint.
theres an irish pub on 3rd i like, too. muldoon’s maybe?
by LeClaireBill on Aug 22, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
There’s another called Kelly’s on Ave A between 1st and 2nd Street in the East Village. Smaller but just as crazy on gameday, it’s also the best sabres bar, plays every snigle game with sound.
I prefer Calico Jack’s. Easier to get seats and they have the exact same wing buffet. McFadden’s can get a little crazy for me.
Delightfully Ignoring The Truth since 1995.
by NeverendingOptimism on Aug 22, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Mcfaddens is nuts, especially early in the year when the Bills were still in it.
~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 Aug 22, 2009 4:59 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
there was a mcfaddens in DC i went to a couple times
great place. im thinkin that most mcfaddens are bills backer bars.
Bills make me wanna SHOUT!
by silverstreak3k on Aug 22, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions
links
last week during the game alot (3or 4) had links posted during the game thread…thanks for everyone at Rumblings!
Just an FYI – that is a practice that will no longer be allowed, in the interest of upholding NFL rules. Links to online streams will now be deleted out of game threads. :)
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"Our style is simple but not that easy. Roll up your sleeves and play good, solid football." -- Marv Levy
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
D'oh!
The first time I need an online stream and it’s verboten!!!
Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner
by Ron From NM on Aug 22, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
just have someone email you the link!
~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 dont know how to email you
but i have a site that works for almost every bills game and any other nfl game, including preseason and playoffs.
Bills make me wanna SHOUT!
by silverstreak3k on Aug 22, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions
You can send it my way if you don’t mind. My email address is at the bottom of the homepage or click my user name. Muchas gracias
~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 Aug 22, 2009 6:46 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
ill send it to K
he can forward it on to whomever he likes.
Bills make me wanna SHOUT!
by silverstreak3k on Aug 22, 2009 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Add me to that list please. I’ll add it to my favorites.
Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.
by CanadianBillsFan on Aug 22, 2009 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Different Defense creates alot to watch
Continued pass rush on QB. The first time I see Rodgers and Co. camping in the pocket my heart is going to break “again”.
This game should help identify who our safeties are going to be on our roster, excluding Byrd of course.
The O-Line against a different defensive formation, run blocking and pass protection. How will we line up to provide this.
Gotta monitor the redzone play. Without T.O. who is going to become our go to guy that will make a play.
Still watching Roscoe, if he is going to be traded, than his true value will be determined over the next two weeks.
Finally, play calling, audibles at the LOS. How successful was our descision making at the line of scrimmage. Read the defense, adjust and succeed.
The Packers run a 3-4? so I guess Jim Bates isnt their DC anymore.
Current Phinsider Feud Points: 23
They just switched this offseason. I think Capers is their DC now.
Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner
It is indeed Capers.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
by MattRichWarren on Aug 22, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Terrell Owens' Toe
Does anyone have a sense of how bad Owens’ toe is?
Is it similar to a Bruce Smith type preseason injury, where it’s injured enough just to get out of camp/meaningless games?
If this was a regular season game, would be by playing?
It’s not the dreaded “turf toe” is it?
I must admit I’m not really worried as of yet, but getting there. It would be nice if Owens had a few game type experiences with his new offense. Anyone else getting concerned yet? Or am I making too much of this?
I'm not worried
TO will show up to play if he possibly can. Think back to the Philly Super Bowl. He not only came back when he shouldn’t have been able to he had a good game to boot.
Of course we could make things more challenging, Lisa, but then the stupider students would be in here complaining, furrowing their brows in a vain attempt to understand the situation--Seymour Skinner
Great call
I remember being amazed that Owens played in that Super Bowl, and especially how well he played. That’s a great example. I’m def leaning towards if this was a meaningful game, he would be out there.
by StroudFanClub on Aug 22, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
This is a good test for the Bills. Decent but very opportunistic D for GB and a very good offense and passing game. I’m hoping we can get into the endzone with the first unit finally, while seeing some improvement run blocking. Those are what I’m looking for on a team basis along with whether the D can look good against a top O.
Hope the CB’s can handle GB’s WR’s effectively enough, because they are deep. Maybe we’ll get some pressure on Rodgers, but I’m not optimistic on that front…
~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 Aug 22, 2009 5:04 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
The pass rush is something to keep an eye on. The Packers have one of the worst OLs in the league.
The Pack does have a pretty deep OL. Guys like Tony Moll, Jamon Meredith and Breno Giacomini are a far better measuring stick for Ellis and Bryan than Chicago’s joke of a 2nd team OL. There’s still a big gap between those guys and an actual starting calibur player, but Chicago’s OTs were barely practice squad talent.
It’ll be funny to watch Derrick Jones abuse Duke Preston in the 4th quarter.
Is Brian Brohm any good? He was such a highly touted prospect and I can’t imagine that Matt Flynn is really a better player.
The Pack have to cut either John Kuhn or Korey Hall and both would be a better fit than McIntyre as a special teamer and occasional lead blocker.
When the 2nd teams are on the field, if Clay Matthews lines up across from Bell, that’s a matchup worth watching. Not that Jeremy Thompson or Brady Poppinga wouldn’t provide good experience for him too.
After looking over the Packers depth chart, they have a ton of quality depth. They should provide a good challenge for our team from the first team to whoever is playing in the 4th quarter.
I hope Ko Simpson stinks again. I think this is the first time that I’ve ever rooted against a Bill. I just don’t want him on the team anymore. 4 safeties is fine and if Buffalo goes with 5, then I’d rather have the special teamer in Wendling.
If I could pick one Bill to have a great game, it would be Youboty. One good game and a few healthy weeks is all he needs to assure himself a roster spot.
I liked the way the 2nd team LBs looked against Chicago. I wonder who will stand out the most.
Some 2nd team players I’d like to see perform well: Nic Harris (of course), Ellis (of course), D. Bell (of course), but also I think it is important to see some production tonight from D. Rhodes as he is going to have to be effective weeks 1-3 and I’d like to see Schoman be a part of the offense but also see who of the TE’s the Bills play in the red-zone.
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