Pats 25, Bills 24: MNF Film Session

by Brian Galliford on Sep 16, 2009 9:00 AM EDT in News Comment 43 comments

More photos » by Winslow Townson - AP

For folks that are new to Buffalo Rumblings, here's the scoop: after each Buffalo Bills regular season game, we'll do a film review session in which we look back at the game to pick out some minor details that we may have missed while watching the games live. This is your film session for the Bills' 25-24 Monday Night Football loss to the New England Patriots.

Offense still missing a key ingredient. As surprisingly efficient as Buffalo's offense was in New England, the team was still missing a significant key to fielding a potent attack - and that was getting their receivers involved. Terrell Owens and Lee Evans need more looks. Yes, each dropped passes, and yes, Trent Edwards was able to find big gainers to Fred Jackson underneath, but particularly in the case of Owens, he's your money maker. He's your best player on offense. I don't blame Edwards for throwing where he threw, because the Pats did a good job of taking away his top option on most non-screen passes. The Bills just need to draw up more plays designed specifically for Owens and Evans. Perhaps they had that up their sleeves for the final, ice-the-clock drive that never materialized. It'd be nice to see both involved earlier in next week's game.

More defensive adjustments needed. The Patriots were able to string together long, time-consuming drives in the second half because roughly 4 out of every 5 Tom Brady passes came at the back end of a three-step drop. A defensive line consisting of Dwight Freeney, Mario Williams, Kevin Williams and Albert Haynesworth couldn't have pressured Brady in that situation. Perry Fewell did dial up a few blitzes that forced Brady into some incompletions and bad passes, but those were so few and far between that it hardly mattered. True, Brady should never have had the opportunity to win that game after the Bills took the 24-13 lead. But we need much more out of Fewell's scheming in that situation. (The one positive adjustment Fewell made, by the way, was against the run; NE's rushing attack was a non-factor for much of the game after the Bills gave up a few early runs.)

Demetrius Bell can play. Yes, he had a lot of mental mistakes. We covered that yesterday. And yeah, he also had some pretty serious pass protection breakdowns in the second half - Edwards was hit far too often. But I don't think I'm being hyperbolic when I say Bell is the most athletic tackle we've had here in years. The dude can flat out run, and he was terrific on toss sweeps, routinely sealing the edge. His technique is still lacking somewhat, but in playing the line's most difficult position in his first NFL start, he held up remarkably well. He needs to get better, because there are much scarier ends he'll be facing in the next few weeks than Tully Banta-Cain. My respect level for Bell increased somewhat when I saw him butting heads and jawing with Vince Wilfork - D-Bell is tough. Wilfork, for the record, was so fired up that he encroached on the very next snap.

The rest of the O-Line was great, minus Brad Butler. I paid particularly close attention to the interior three linemen, and Andy Levitre, Geoff Hangartner and Eric Wood were excellent. I wouldn't say that they "blocked" Wilfork, per se, but they sealed him magnificently and got him moving on other occasions. They handled him very well. The Pats didn't do a ton of blitzing, but when they did, communication was great between the inside three. Meanwhile, Butler - who didn't play poorly by any means - was the most susceptible to the bull rush, and was beaten more than any other player besides Bell. Of course, his assignment was a bit tougher, too, as he was tasked with blocking Adalius Thomas. His play wasn't bad, but he, too, needs to improve.

Props to the safeties. I really liked what I saw out of Jairus Byrd. I worried about his ability to tackle in the open field and support the run, but he did very well in both areas. He played as the third safety, and played quite a lot. Byrd's only issue was on the opening kickoff of the game - I'm not sure exactly what he was doing, but as his teammates ran down the field to cover the kick, Byrd was staring at the ground, and realized far too late that he, ahem, was supposed to be moving. NE returned the kick to the 50.

Bryan Scott wasn't great, but he did make 10 stops, and he was in on the coverage responsibilities on Ben Watson's two fourth-quarter touchdowns. So he needs to play better. The best safety on the field for either team was Donte Whitner. No, we didn't get any of the big plays we're craving from Whitner, but in making ten stops (five behind Keith Ellison's game-high 15), Whitner showed outstanding range and nearly had a fumble out of Randy Moss. He'll be just fine at free safety.

I love Fred Jackson. I don't think I need to get too in-depth here. He's one of the most patient runners I've ever laid eyes on. 20 touches, 140 yards, 1 TD. He was outstanding.

Quick - name the Bills' best D-Lineman. In this particular game, I'm calling it a three-way tie between Aaron Schobel, Chris Kelsay and Kyle Williams. Schobel made the big plays (sack, INT returned for TD); his pick-six was one of the most gorgeous plays I've ever seen. He nearly had a second pick early in the fourth quarter that would have prevented an eventual Pats field goal. But Kelsay was a monster in the first half; Nick Kaczur just straight up couldn't block him. Williams was also a force, routinely collapsing the pocket on Brady throws. The line was very active, but I'm curious to see how much of that was just a not-so-great Pats O-Line. The Bucs present a much stiffer challenge next week.

We're really, really going to miss Paul Posluszny. Poz was having a great game prior to breaking his arm. It was nearly as gut-wrenching watching him react to the injury on live TV (I missed it during the live telecast) as it was watching the end of the game itself. I feel terrible for him, but at the same time, the play looked pretty routine; it was difficult to see exactly how the injury happened. It might have happened on an earlier play. Either way, he's already out indefinitely, and he'll require surgery. That's a huge blow to a defense that needs all the help it can get.

I know many of you watch the game back just as I do - so if y'all caught anything on tape that wasn't discussed here, we'd love to hear about it in the comments section.

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Good Summary

.. but I think you’re being either too kind or too defeatist in saying there was no way to get to Brady in the last drives. The Giants did it two years ago and other teams will as well. If taking three step drops is the answer to avoiding pressure, then why doesn’t everybody do it (successfully). I think the guys were just a little gassed at having to rush so many times. I wish Chris Ellis would have been active. It would’ve helped a lot.

Also, after reviewing Brady’s second pass to Watson I was struck by two things:
1. The coverage was good. He was not wide open. Brady threw to his back shoulder and trusted his receiver to adjust.
2. Trent and the receivers need to watch that play and commit to doing the same thing. It’s okay to throw to a covered receiver, but it takes trust.

by MrFurious1 on Sep 16, 2009 9:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If taking three step drops is the answer to avoiding pressure, then why doesn’t everybody do it (successfully).

Well we’ve only played one game, haven’t we? You’ll see Byron Leftwich do that a lot this week, I’ll guarantee you that – unless, of course, Perry Fewell expects it (which he freaking should) and does something about it.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Sep 16, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can handle Leftwich doing it. His release is like cranking back a catapult – nice arm, but it takes an awful lot to get it going.

Wouldn't it be ironic if this team imploded and it had nothing to do with TO?

by thefourwinds on Sep 16, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Three step drop doesn’t always equate to getting the ball out to open receiver quickly. The three step drop might have been an issue, but Tom Brady being really good and knowing how to get rid of the ball isn’t an easy thing to defend. Buffalo should have more success stopping quick drops from Byron Leftwich, because he’s Byron Leftwich.

by kaisertown on Sep 16, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's two parts to it ..

1. the effectiveness of the QB (Brady vs anybody else)
2. the effectiveness of the rush

My only point was that there are teams that can get through, we just didn’t in the 4th quarter.

by MrFurious1 on Sep 16, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If the QB is going to be taking 3 step drops our D needs to shut that down. The CB’s can’t keep playing 8-10 yards off the ball allowing all the easy underneath stuff. Make it difficult for the O to complete passes and give the DL a chance. The D can’t just keep letting the QB have it so easy!

~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 Sep 16, 2009 12:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

I agree about the CB’s playing so far off of the ball, it’s like we’re begging them to go short and chip away. I’d rather they played 5 yards off, the McCoverage boys have the wheels to catch up to most WR’s in the league, what’s the point of the cushion?

Delightfully Ignoring The Truth since 1995.

by NeverendingOptimism on Sep 16, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Awesome

your an incredible analyst. you should be making millions for your in depth insight.

by jimkutica on Sep 16, 2009 9:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He is Brian Galliford. He should be worth millions.

Yes!

Wouldn't it be ironic if this team imploded and it had nothing to do with TO?

by thefourwinds on Sep 16, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully Brian doesn’t get traded to Pride of Detroit for an undisclosed, late round pick.

So easy Marshawn Lynch can do it.

by thatguy34 on Sep 16, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

You forgot the “/sarcasm”.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Sep 16, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I knew you would catch on to it.

please excuse me, but I’m still a little miffed that you took down my fan post.

by jimkutica on Sep 16, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You’re excused. :)

Just an FYI, folks – if you have an issue like jimkutica did, please email me first (which I realize you did, Jim).

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Sep 16, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brian “Ko” Galliford!

by Zumone on Sep 16, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Games like this is why we have been finishing 7 - 9 the last three years.

1.) Byrd was the safety on Watson’s second TD. Scott may have been on the field but Byrd was the safety. Ellison had good coverage in front on both just a step behind in both cases. The safety should of provided more help and let the wide out on that side stay one on one with the corner. Just my opinion.

2.) Hard to be critical of the offense because at first I wasn’t sure if it was the Bills out there. Yes, we did stretch the field but never threw anything long. This should happen next week against the bucks.

3.) Kelsay is my defensive MVP. Once he was replaced so wasn’t our pressure. I didn’t see Maybin have an impact, not that he didn’t but it would of been nice to see consistent pressure on Brady and when Kelsay went out so didn’t the first half pressure.

4.) Not to get a rise out of “K” or anything but Ellison and Kelsay had excellent games. I am not pinning all the watson stuff on Ellison, 15 stops, and the first half pressure that Kelsay helped provide was wow football.

5.)Did John McCargo even play. Spencer Johnson was coming off of injury, limited in practice and I only noticed him breaking stroud and Williams. This guy didn’t practice much. I figured McCargo would be involved. Looking for more 4 DL rotation. It never really happened. When the defense in on the field this long, that rotation has got to be used, but only if it is adequate rotation, I quess. Anything on McCargo?

6.) Surprised to see Byrd get as many looks as he did. I wasn’t sure what happened on that opening Kick Off. someone blew something there, I believe you mentioned that was Jarius. Lets hope that doesn’t happen again, that should of been worse that turned out, kudos to our D for the stop. I would like to see Ellis get the same looks, but wouldn’t know who not to dress for this.

7.) Reggie Corner played very well and Drayton Florence is suppose to be better. We have good depth here must be. Neither Moss, Welker or Galloway hurt us deep as Owens and Evans, so I hope this isn’t something we are over looking. We have Owens and Evans for a reason, I hope they are not easily taken out of the offense like the pats did to us and we did to them.

Excuses are a sign of weakness!!!!!!

by VanScottM on Sep 16, 2009 9:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Not to get a rise out of "K" or anything but Ellison and Kelsay had excellent games.

Don’t worry, it won’t. I mentioned they played surprisingly very well before, so I agree with you here. Now whether it lasts is the question….

~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 Sep 16, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stop being nice K

The minute you stop bashing these guys is the minute they start playing poorly. Keep the kelsay bashing strong!

"Potential just means you haven’t done sh## yet"

by willgarr15 on Sep 16, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha

I’m sure I’ll have my chances to do that soon, but I thought they played well for once, so the compliment from me was earned!!

~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 Sep 16, 2009 3:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

On Maybin

I noticed him trying to use speed more than his strength. A lot of times, he took the long way around the o-line and ended up swinging 5 + yards behind Brady. That may work to get a strip, but he was rarely there in time.

by Jean Rasczak on Sep 16, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ugh

I remember catching Poz’s reaction on the close up in-game. He screams an F bomb, looks at his listless left arm and ponders staying on the field for a second before running off towards the sidelines.

Going to miss him is an understatement. We’ll see how Fewell earns his money now.

by Kooz on Sep 16, 2009 9:55 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I like how a broken arm doesnt even phase him.

he just shakes it off, like the real man he is

I can do all things through he whom gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

by NCbillsfan12 on Sep 16, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ellison

I thought Ellison played a solid defensive game and was continuously around the ball when I was watching Monday night. Any thoughts on his overall performance from watching it a second time? He seemed to get a lot of snaps, even at MLB in the dime package.

by Elbow on Sep 16, 2009 9:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He got most of the dime duties due to Poz being off the field due to injury

If Poz was healthy he would be on the field all 3 downs.

As my mother once said, common sense isn't as common as it should be, I'm looking at you Fewell, common sense says to play UP on the line against the slant.

by WABillsfan on Sep 16, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

One more comment that I have been thinking of.

Only time will tell. Has anyone watched the Dolphins game. I seen the Bills, Pats and Jets. It is premature to rank these guys after one game. The Pats go into NY this weekend. The pressure the Jets D provided all game against Huston was second to nobody. They showed more than the Bills IMO and out of all four teams, I would give them the nod slightly because of their Defense. The Pats would fall third and Dolphins fourth. Unfortuantely, we came up short, but we still have mega opportunity to make up for it. The Jets if consistent this weekend will destroy the Patriots. I mean Destroy them.

Excuses are a sign of weakness!!!!!!

by VanScottM on Sep 16, 2009 10:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

A great job of breaking down the game. I would note, tho, that the Pats’ o-line is much better than you give it credit for. They do have three Pro Bowlers on it, and over the years it has been solid in protecting the QB. I’m not sure our defensive front seven is going to go up against many lines that are better, so the job they did in the first half is very impressive. However, it is obvious that they were winded by the second half (along with the loss of Kelsay), which meant they couldn’t get off the field as easily, which meant they got more winded.

It’s also worth mentioning that McKelvin had a pretty bad game at CB (aside from his fumbles as a kick returner). He made a few nice plays, but also had several whiffs. You measure the quality of a DB by his consistency. If that’s so, one wonders if he is really ready to be a starter at this point. Youboty anyone?

The big story of the game, however, was the play of our new offensive line. They are going to be terrific, and sooner than we expected. That suggests a much better season than many of us were predicting.

by Macktruck on Sep 16, 2009 10:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ellison

I haven’t had a chance to re-watch the game.

What is everyone’s thoughts on Keith? I know he had a ton of tackles, but what does everyone think of him handling the nickle linebacker for the foreseeable future? I think his run defense is quality, but his pass defense…

Kinda worries me …

Stay positive....stay positive...stay positive...

by Slick Shifty on Sep 16, 2009 10:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I expect us to use a lot of two-LB sets, where we have either three safeties on the field (Whitner, Scott and Byrd) or the nickel CB (Florence, when he’s healthy), because Marcus Buggs is going to be a big liability against the run (he’s a very good athlete, but gets abolished in the run game).

by BillsfanfromDenmark on Sep 16, 2009 11:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That makes sense to me, with Scott playing more of a LB role?

"Next time I get the opportunity I am going to hold on and make a better decision." ~ Leodis McKelvin. (Can't ask for anythitng more than that)

by NolaBillsFan on Sep 16, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That what I assume is going to happen.

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Ignoring the grumblings on Rumblings.

by MattRichWarren on Sep 19, 2009 8:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wet blanket

Our OL was a very pleasant surprise, they did a great job and showed a lot of promise. And the defense against the run was impressive too. But . . .

We all know NE’s defense has fallen off sharply since their glory days. They weren’t even that great in their 16-0 season, they just got to play with huge leads. Coming into this game we knew their secondary was suspect. Then they traded Seymour, who is a monster (did you see some of his plays against SD?), and then Mayo was injured. Was this an elite unit we were up against?

Yeah, our defense looked great against the run. But again: How long has it been since NE had a running game? Not since Corey Dillon. This offense throws the ball. And they did that at will. They totally dominated TOP (by something like 14 minutes I think, which would kind of explain why we were run down at the end), first downs, yardage . . .

Yeah, this is a game we could have won, and that’s the aggravating part. But still.

by Applsoss on Sep 16, 2009 11:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

1. we would have been on the field more had both Lee and T.O. not drop easy third down passes.
2. Our offense ate up the clock well i think, as long as our recievers can hold on to the ball on important passes we will be fine

I can do all things through he whom gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

by NCbillsfan12 on Sep 16, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was this an elite unit we were up against?

Not at all. It might even be a bad defense. The offense looked solid, but overall I didn’t think they were great. 17 points against that D, especially when so much of the damage can on short completions turned into longer ones, is better than last year, but not as good as it seemed.

But again: How long has it been since NE had a running game?

Last year, with Matt Cassel running the show, NE averaged 142 yards per game. It was the sixth best total in the league and right between Minnesota and Tennessee in the rankings. They did that by averaging 4.4 yards per carry which was tied with Atlanta and Washington for 7th best. It’s a good run game with one of the better run blockers (Logan Mankins) in the entire league.

by kaisertown on Sep 16, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Point taken

I didn’t know those numbers from last year. They surprise me.

by Applsoss on Sep 16, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Byrd’s only issue was on the opening kickoff of the game – I’m not sure exactly what he was doing, but as his teammates ran down the field to cover the kick, Byrd was staring at the ground, and realized far too late that he, ahem, was supposed to be moving.

I’m a little miffed at Byrd for his play, or lack thereof, on the McKelvin fumble. With a guy draped all over Leo and wrenching at the ball, Byrd is just standing there watching Leo and walking like it’s a stroll in the park. There are more players closing in all around Leo and Byrd couldn’t care less about any of them. Then, when the ball pops out, Byrd is the last person to spring into action to recover the fumble, even though he’s one of the closest people to the ball.

He didn’t have to pull the guy off Leo’s back or anything, but he could have engaged somebody, or at least not just given up on the play.

by jj24 on Sep 16, 2009 11:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The speed of the game and his inexperience

Scott was the safety on the first Watson TD. Bryd was in on the second one. He did force the back shoulder pass from Brady by pinching that seam, but left open the back side help. I wonder if Scott would of done it different the second time around. He got a lot of play Monday. I quess he needs it, the speed of the game has got to be huge for him.

Excuses are a sign of weakness!!!!!!

by VanScottM on Sep 16, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brady even said the safety (Byrd) played that second TD well…

~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 Sep 16, 2009 1:52 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

I saw the play again. Before Byrd stood around it actually looked like he tried tackle Leo, then the ball came out. Weird play.

by jj24 on Sep 16, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree with everything but is the Bucs O-line really a stiffer test than New England? Isn’t one of there best lineman hurt?

Poz will be missed, he looked a lot bigger and quicker to the ball Monday Night.

If you ask me Van Pelt’s in a good spot, to develop a pick your poison offense. If teams load up to stop the run and the screen game, TO and Evans have to be open right? They definitely need to stretch the field. If they do, I think they become a complete offense.

And I really am wondering about John McCargo, as someone else alluded to. He was a beast in the preseason and at least as progressed from last season – he’s a big body perfect for situational football. Wonder if he plays in the home opener.

The line is going to be better, more quickly that we expected. Shocked about how well Levitre played and Wood is a monster.

by billsct11 on Sep 16, 2009 11:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bucs have a stud LT.

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Ignoring the grumblings on Rumblings.

by MattRichWarren on Sep 19, 2009 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also, when Drayton Florence returns I think the secondary will be far and away the strength of the team. Reggie Corner is a gamer.

Just like to see more big plays from them like we saw in the exhibition games.

by billsct11 on Sep 16, 2009 11:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Our oline was the nicest surprise from this game to me

Our new boys did an awesome job till near the end of the game, but the sheer nastiness of Hangman, Wood and Levitre was a true pleasure to see, esepcially their willingness to mix it up and finish off guys. We have NOT had that in so long it was a total shock to see our guys just blowing people off the line.

As my mother once said, common sense isn't as common as it should be, I'm looking at you Fewell, common sense says to play UP on the line against the slant.

by WABillsfan on Sep 16, 2009 12:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

exactly

I remember one play (I think it got called back) that was a pitch to freddy for big yards. Well after the play was over Eric Wood was still driving his guy down the field jawing in his face.
These boys aren’t Mike Williams, that’s for sure.

Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!

by JPH on Sep 16, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I loved Reggie Corner's common sense D

Early in the game lining up against Wes Welker he basically said “We both know what your game is, you’re not getting any cushion.” Welker was a complete non-factor early and Corner made a bunch of plays simply by daring Welker to run a deep pass route. I admire that.

Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!

by JPH on Sep 16, 2009 5:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs