Bills looking for rebound performance in Pittsburgh
by Brian Galliford on Aug 29, 2009 6:00 AM EDT
in Buffalo Bills News
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PrintHeading into their fourth pre-season game of the year, the Buffalo Bills are hoping to rebound from a lackluster performance in Green Bay. They'll get that opportunity this evening when they travel to Pittsburgh to take on the defending world champion Steelers. While the offense, more than any other unit, is looking for a confidence boost, the team as a whole could use a strong performance as the regular season swiftly approaches.
While perhaps the most fascinating Bill of the day, OT Demetrius Bell, will miss the game with a back injury (with RB Fred Jackson (wrist), WR Terrell Owens (toe) and DE Aaron Schobel (elbow) joining him), there is, as always, plenty worth monitoring tonight. As usual, we've got five such subjects for your pre-game perusal after the jump.
Offense looking to... well, score
Nine drives, three points. That's all that Buffalo's first-team offense has been able to muster through three pre-season games, much to the chagrin of critics and the majority of the fan base. Yet largely this same offense, led by QB Trent Edwards, handled the blitz-happy Steelers with ease during the 2008 pre-season. A repeat of that performance would go a long way toward restoring some confidence in an attack that could use every advantage it can muster.
In particular for Edwards, but obviously for the offense as a whole, a strong showing - and perhaps a touchdown - would be a welcome relief.
How will Walker respond?
The big news Friday was an ESPN.com report citing team sources indicating that at least part of the Bills' coaching staff would rather start the aforementioned Bell at left tackle in lieu of veteran Langston Walker, who was tabbed in late April as the replacement for traded two-time Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters. Walker's play has been steady to this point in the pre-season, but concerns remain over the 6'8", 366-pound Walker's ability to adequately protect the blind side of Edwards, who has struggled to avoid injuries.
Bell, as also mentioned, is injured, and will not play tonight. Despite the report, it remains unlikely (though clearly not impossible) that Walker will find himself anywhere other than at left tackle when the season opens. Still, as disconcerting as the report was, Walker now has more to prove than simply whether or not he's capable of manning what is commonly regarded as the most important position on the offensive line. Now, he's got competition to stave off as well.
Position battles
There are several position battles that, based on how battle participants fare tonight and in the pre-season finale, will undoubtedly help shape up the final roster. We discussed those battles earlier this week at the link provided, so I won't bore you with a recap; of particular interest to me tonight, however, are the battles taking place at tight end, linebacker and defensive end (which we'll explore more in-depth momentarily).
Veterans with something to prove
Speaking of items we've already discussed, we also spent some time earlier this week poring over the names of several veterans clinging perhaps in vain to their jobs. Many of these players fit snugly into the aforementioned position battles. Still, the pressure is on for players like Ryan Denney, Copeland Bryan, Pat Thomas, Ashton Youboty, and now Walker, to perform. It's crunch time - and if the Bell reports are accurate, how gutsy will the coaching staff be at other areas of the roster? Is it safe to assume that any job is safe? These guys can't play poorly if they don't want to find out the hard way.
Maybin makes his debut
Perhaps the only thing that everyone can get excited about heading into tonight's game is the NFL debut of No. 11 overall pick DE Aaron Maybin, who has a week of practice under his belt after ending his holdout a week ago yesterday. With Schobel sidelined with an elbow injury, there's a chance that Maybin could see reps with the first-unit defense - and he'll definitely see reps with the second unit. The pass rush on the whole needs to perform better; we'll get our first glimpse tonight if Maybin has what it takes to provide the shot in the arm the pass rush needs.
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Allow me to add that there is a less important, but still important, battle for the backup QB job in my opinion. Not only that, but I trust that the Bills still need to be convinced that that they have their backup QB already on the roster.
The Dick Jauron version of the K-Gun...the Squirt Gun.
Alot of points to make on this idea, good point.
Historically, the steelers 2nd and 3rd teams have played very well. I expect the Steelers to bring the heat all game. A good look at Fitz and Hamden is definately an area to watch. Remember bringing in a Greise, Leftwitch etc… IMO would only create a contraversy not a competition.
I don’t see this a realistic issue anymore. Fitz has pretty well dominated the competition (albeit 2nd and 3rd stringers) in the preseason. He’s currently 4th in the league and his stats speak for themselves:
Rk Player Team Pos Comp Att Pct Att/G Yds Avg Yds/G TD Int 1st 1st% Lng 20+ 40+ Sck Rate
4. Ryan Fitzpatrick BUF QB 31 43 72.1 14.3 316 7.3 105.3 1 1 16 37.2 24 3 0 3 90.8
Again, I know it’s only preseason but what else are we really expecting out of our backup QB?
"We want to win immediately. To say you're building is an incomplete sentence. ... You're building for a future coach and general manager."
-Marv Levy
#58
will be the highlight of the night if he plays well. I understand he’s only had a week or so of practices under his belt, but im really looking foreward to see what we’ve got here. He’s fun to use in madden…lets just hope that translates.
by dragonwag0n on Aug 29, 2009 8:42 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Looking forward to finnaly seeing Maybin on the feild. A few sacks would be a FANTASTIC start for him.
Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.
by CanadianBillsFan on Aug 29, 2009 9:00 AM EDT reply actions
I expect his best effort, I said that a few sacks would be a fantastic start, not that i expect it from him.
Captain of the "Promote Bob Sanders to Deffensive Coordinator" band wagon.
by CanadianBillsFan on Aug 29, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions
I would expect Maybin to play a lot,
so those sacks could come vs 3rd stringers.
"When troops flee, are insubordinate, collapse, or are routed in battle, it is the fault of the general." – Sun Tzu. Yes Jauron, I am talking to you.
Exactly what I was going to ask.
I’ll be happy if Maybin doesn’t look completely lost tonight.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Aug 29, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m happy if he doesn’t screw up more than once, and can at least hold his own. That’d be a huge success in my mind.
New York City Buffalo Bills Backers
www.nycbbb.com
Isn't that true for most of the team??????
"When troops flee, are insubordinate, collapse, or are routed in battle, it is the fault of the general." – Sun Tzu. Yes Jauron, I am talking to you.
this is the best response
just look for competancy after a week of practice.
i got to watch maybin more then a few times in college. the guy was lightning off the line-any unsuspecting tackle who wasn’t 100% focussed off the snap got beat outside.
that said, i really wouldn’t expect that much from him. look and see how he plays on run defense, and see if he learned how to beat a tackle inside instead of out.
cripes, the bills are now psu football’s grad school.
Eat what the monkey eats, then eat the monkey. -U.S. Navy survival guidance
I don't expect much here from Maybin.
If he can get some pressure that would be great. I believe the coaching staff is far more concerned about his run defense and pass coverage. Even in passing situations he won’t be displaying anything but his burst off the ball. We are not going to tip our hand with him on designated stunts. He has been our biggest secret so far this preseason, if he brings anything it won’t be until September 14th.
The offense needs TDs, not just a strong showing
The Bills have been able to move the ball between the 20s against a variety of defenses for quite some time now. The team has not, however, been able to score TDs with any kind of regularity. Leaving Pittsburgh without scoring offensive TDs against their excellent first team defense would be a major disappointment.
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
Red Zone work
Yes progress in the red zone would be outstanding to see especially since TO isn’t in there. But I’m not holding my breath. ( I can’t hold my breath very long anyway)
Running game would be nice too
Ron, how long do you think it will take the Bills to get a 1st down running the ball tonight?
That probably won’t take too long. The bigger question is whether the Bills will average better than 3.0 ypa against a top flight defense.
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 29, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Lets also include a solid pocket.
A minimum three seconds of protection on a consistent basis would be a nice start. On every passing play.
Sacks
Sacks or a sack would be nice, I would be happy to see Maybin put the heat on the QB, force a couple of turnovers, hurried throws and QB knockdowns after release (legally of course).
New Defensive crew
I’d like to see some more of Harris and Palmer tonight. The way people talk maybe Harris will continue to grow into a mid-season starter. I imagine Byrd (S) will need a few more weeks of practice before we see him able to contribute much, but I’d like to see some growth there too.
O-line
I’d love to see the first string Oline pave the way for a running game. If we can’t run the ball this late into preseason, we should be worried about week 1.
New York City Buffalo Bills Backers
www.nycbbb.com
What's great about football
After seven days, we’ve forgotten how pissed off we were. Each week brings optimism and anticipation, even for pre-season. Bills fans are resilient, that’s for sure.
Let’s have our first string get a freakin’ TD and our OL open up some holes – that would be a start! On D, here’s hoping Maybin gives us a new look – a pass rush this season!
I hope it’s not pouring rain tonight, but that’s a big possibility.
Game won't be available for those of us not in Buffalo/Pittsburgh markets
It will be rebroadcast at 11 am MST Sunday on NFL Network.
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’s also on Fox Sports Pittsburgh, ch. 659 on Directv. I don’t know if it’ll be blacked out though….
~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 don’t get that channel. I don’t know if it’s a regional thing or just some package I don’t have.
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 29, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Really bad sign
Chris Brown at bb.com has his preview up and here’s a quote from Lee Evans:
We just have to correct a lot of mistakes that we had," said Evans. "I don’t think we’ve got to light up the scoreboard, but I think we definitely have to play better than we did last week. We’ve got to start getting ready for the season especially against these 3-4 teams that we don’t get to play in practice.
I, for one, am sick of hearing Bills players and coaches talk about how Buffalo’s offense doesn’t see the 3-4 in practice. The six most important games of the year will be played against 3-4 teams. Yeah, it’s preseason blah blah blah.
Chris Brown had this nugget about the Steelers defense as well:
Their defense meanwhile has allowed just three points in the five series they have taken the field this preseason.
So, if the Bills manage to put up a TD on the Steelers it will be the first one they’ve given up since the Super Bowl. Buffalo did it last year so I’m expecting nothing less tonight.
Chris Brown says a passel of players will be out for the game, including some guys in heated positional battles:
Out for the Bills are OT Demetrius Bell, TE Derek Fine, CB Drayton Florence, WR Felton Huggins, TE Travis McCall, WR Terrell Owens, CB Lydell Sargeant, DE Aaron Schobel and LB Pat Thomas. WR James Hardy remains on PUP.
Owens, Schobel and Hardy are mortal locks to make the roster. Huggins, McCall and Sargeant are certain cuts. Bell may be looking at a starting role so missing tonight’s game might hurt his cause. Fine is in a battle with Stupar, who will now get more reps and may be able to pad his NFL leading reception total. Florence is in a multi-player battle for one of the CB slots….against guys who actually play in games. Thomas may get crowded out of a LB spot.
Here’s an excellent tidbit from Chris Brown:
CB Reggie Corner, CB Ellis Lankster and CB Leodis McKelvin each have two interceptions this preseason. The trio are tied for the league lead as the Bills seven total picks in the preseason leads the NFL.
Yes, McKelvin’s was an outright gift from Cutler and Corner and Lankster have primarily been playing against backups but it’s still fantastic to see “Bills”, “tied for the league lead” and “picks” in the same sentence.
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
To Me Preseason is all about Playmakers.
We will not know what the regular season holds until it starts. There is alot of misleading information during the preseason. The games can’t hide a playmaker though. Ellison’s stop on 4th and 1 was a play. The picks are nice and we can’t get enough of them, but still we need that pressure up front. We need more tackles for loss. McGee, Whitner and Scott need more passes defended, not just proper coverage. Tonights game will be a good one to evaluate. Oh, absolutely no excuse for not incorporating a 3-4 defense into our daily routine in practice.
1 extra game
I’d hope they’d lead in something after being spotted an extra preseason game. Still, beats being tied for the least.
I wish I knew what exactly they prepared for in practices, because apparently a 3-4 D is way down the list. It’s as if they’re building in an excuse for when they can’t score against the D again, though the excuse would be beyond lame. The players are talking about it, it’s that damning enough?
I’ll be surprised if we score a TD tonight. I’m hoping for a pleasant surprise….
~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’s as if they’re building in an excuse for when they can’t score against the D again, though the excuse would be beyond lame.
At this point, lameness (lameitude?, lameability?) would seem to be part of Jauron’s M.O.
I'll donate $1 to help Mary Wilson pay the estate tax...who's with me?!?
by O.J. Is My Bodyguard on Aug 29, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Langston Walker
Lets hope Walker has an awesome game. I am glad that half the coaching staff believe D. Bell should start. We are talking about Edwards confidence here as well. We know what he is like when his confidence is lacking.
I just hope we make it out of this game w/o any injuries
Pitts DL/LB could really embarrass our OL tonight. I do not think it is possible to gain much confidence against a powerhouse such as Pitt. Which is why a clean bill of health is all I am asking for.
Lets get Maybin, Ellis and Bryan first team reps, please. We know Kelsay and Denney can’t rush the passer. It’d be nice to see what these guys can do.
I really, really hope our O can move the ball and get into the endzone. They need it as much for themselves as for us the fans!
~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."
Amen to the first team reps for the reserve DEs
It’s a perfect opportunity for Ellis and Bryan to make their cases for roster spots. If we see Maybin with the first team at all I suspect it will be on definite passing downs. I’d really love to see how he responds to, say, a screen play—whether he honors his responsibility or just goes all out after the QB.
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 29, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t see how it’d hurt having all three of them getting first team reps. We have to find out more about them, and this is the perfect opportunity.
~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."
Maybin should play in the vast majority of the defensive snaps tonight, with the 1st-3rd teams.
"When troops flee, are insubordinate, collapse, or are routed in battle, it is the fault of the general." – Sun Tzu. Yes Jauron, I am talking to you.
I don’t think it would hurt at all for all 3 to get first string reps. I can see Maybin getting fewer reps than Ellis and Bryan, though, because it’s likely that one of those two will be cut—why not see if they can be as productive against first string tackles as they’ve been against the scrubs?
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
o-line
if bell is going to start. do you think we would shift walker back to rt, butler to rg and bench levitre? If bell is better than wlaker, this seems liike are best line, levitre seems like he has not gotten any push in the run game so far
Yes.
It’s almost more a knock on Levitre being a rookie than it is Walker not living up to standards. … Maybe it’s even Butler not being able to block Chris Kelsay in practice… a wink.
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