Notes from the Bills' O-Line: Week 1 at New England
by Ron From NM on Sep 17, 2009 7:32 PM EDT
in Buffalo Bills News
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PrintWhile some were distraught over the Buffalo Bills' 25-24 loss to New England on Monday Night Football (I was, too), there were some real positives that emerged from the despair - and I'm not talking about moral victories, either.
I had serious reservations about the Bills' completely-overhauled offensive line going into the game. How would the much-heralded Eric Wood and lesser-ballyhooed Andy Levitre stack up against one of the premier DTs in the game (Vince Wilfork)? How much of an upgrade would Geoff Hangartner represent at center? Was starting Demetrius Bell at left tackle an act of abject desperation? What sort of impact would Terrell Owens' mere presence have on the offensive line in terms of how defenses reacted to him? How much could be rookie TE Shawn Nelson be counted on regarding blocking?
I cover all that and more after the jump.
Drive 1
Pass 1: Incomplete, versus a 5-man blitz
- Bell took on 97, who was lined up far enough inside to be taken on by the left guard. Levitre dropped behind Bell to pick up 95, who was lined up outside of 97. 95 beat Levitre to the inside. (This was the only time the Bills did this, and it was kind of strange to watch.) Hangartner blocked 75 on his own. Wood gave up a couple of yards to 94 and put him down. Brad Butler was never engaged by 96, who sat in the passing lane and batted the ball down.
Run 1: Jackson, 3 yards through the left C gap
- Bell got zero drive on 97, who eventually got around him to chase the play (but too late to make an impact). Levitre took on 75 alone, gave up about a yard, but kept him out of the play. Hangartner and Wood doubled 94; Hangartner peeled off but couldn't get to 51 at the second level. Butler locked up 96 for the entire play. Nelson and Derek Schouman doubled 59 on the edge of the play and kept him out of it. When 36 tried to fill, he was caught up in that pile and wound up with Nelson laying on him.
Pass 2: Reed 21 yards (negated by illegal formation call on Bell)
- After getting flagged for the illegal formation, Bell pushed a speed rusher well past Edwards. Levitre, Hangartner and Wood stopped 75 and 97, and also opened the throwing lane. Butler beat 55 to the corner and stuffed his move back to the inside. Josh Reed, by the way, had a terrific catch wiped out by the call. It was the kind of catch Lee Evans would later drop to kill a first down.
Pass 3: Jackson drop
- Bell had no one to block when 95 dropped into coverage. Levitre did a good job on 75, riding him around the pocket. Hangartner turned 94 and rode him around the pocket right after Levitre and Wilfork. Wood chipped 94 and waited for a blitzer. Butler took 55 around the edge.
Blitz: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Fred Jackson's drop
Drive 2
Pass 4: Edwards scramble for 16 yards
- 97 tried to get inside, but Bell stayed glued to him without holding. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 75, but it was great to see Levitre keeping his head moving looking for blitzers while helping out Hangartner. 94 got inside of Wood, but he stayed with him and pushed 94 past Edwards. It did cause the scramble. Butler stuffed 95's spin move and stayed locked on him when he tried to chase the play.
Run 2: Jackson, 3 yards through the left C gap
- Bell pulled wide and fell on 36 as he tried to fill, which let Jackson get the corner. Levitre pulled wide and failed to cut 59, but did slow him down enough to keep him out of the play. Hangartner jumped inside of 75, which slowed down his pursuit of the play. Hangartner moved on to the second level and locked up 51. Wood tried to cut Wilfork and failed badly. Butler went to the second level but had no one to block. Nelson did a good job of sustaining a block on 95, so much so that he didn't draw a flag when 95 turned. Schouman jumped outside of 97 to seal the edge, and got enough of a push to send 97 on an arc behind the play.
Run 3: Jackson 16 yards through the left C gap
- Bell chipped 75 and then hit 59 in the second level to let Jackson by. Levitre did what Melduke Prestfowsuck couldn't have accomplished together on the best day of their lives - pushed Vince Wilfork all the way across the formation. Hangartner chipped 94 and then hit 51 at the second level. Wood moved 94 to the right and then put him down. Butler locked up 96 on the edge of the line well away from the play. Nelson came all the way across the formation to pop 97 and open the run lane - he made the play possible. Schouman kept 95 on the right edge of the formation.
Pass 5: Screen to Jackson for 21 yards
- Bell hand fought with 97. Levitre snuck out and took out 58. He didn't quite put 58 down, but it was close enough for government work. Hangartner got out front, but had no one to block. Wood did an okay job on 99, and Butler was driven back to Edwards by 94... which really suited the design of the play.
Run 4: Omon for 1 yard through the left C gap
- 97 got an inside jump on Bell. Bell rode him around away from the play and got him down. 75 got inside of Levitre and into the backfield. Levitre got just enough of a push to keep him from making a tackle for loss. Hangartner chipped 99 and went to the second level, but ran around 59 instead of hitting him. Wood got a bit of a drive on 99 to the right. Butler stoned 94 - no drive either way. 80 jumped inside of 97 and kept him well away from the play. Nelson crossed the formation and had what sure looked like an uncalled hold on a linebacker.
Pass 6 Nelson for 11 yards, TD
- Bell let 97 zip right by him. It appeared to be a designed bootleg. Levitre, Hangartner and Wood did an excellent job of making it look like a run play. Butler locked up 94.
Blitz: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: N/A
Drive 3
Pass 7: Schouman, 2 yards
- Bell was badly beaten by 95's spin move, leading to the quick throw. Levitre, Hangartner and Wood kept 84 and 75 well away from Edwards. Butler did a fair job on 55.
Pass 8: Evans, 10 yards
- Bell had no one to block because Jackson and Shouman took 97 on a ride. 75 beat Levitre with a rip move, but got stuck in traffic. Hangartner and Wood doubled 94. Bulter was driven back to within a yard of Edwards by 55.
Run 5: Jackson 5 yards through the right C gap
- 95 got an initial drive on Bell, but he recovered and drove 95 back 5 yards. Levitre pulled and hit 96 in the hole - wiping both of them out. Hang got a little push on 75 and turned him away from the line. Wood hit 94 and tried to turn him away from the run lane. 94 pulled free but it was too late. Butler chipped 94 and popped 59 at the second level.
Run 6: Jackson no gain through right C gap
- Bell chipped 75 but had no one to block once he went to the second level. Levitre tried to block 96 but he shed the block and made the tackle. Hangartner blocked 75 alone. Wilfork tried to get around the block but was caught in the wash. Wood's good initial block turned into a grievous uncalled hold. Butler helped seal the edge by blocking 94.
Pass 9: Drop by Owens against a 5-man blitz
- Bell beat 95 to the corner but then 95 beat him with a spin. Bell responded with an uncalled hold. Levitre was destroyed by 59, who got a hit on Edwards and may have caused the pass to be higher than Owens would have liked. Hangartner did an okay job on 97, and Wood handled 94. Butler had no one to block because his guy stunted all the way across the formation.
Blitz: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Terrell Owens' drop
Drive 4
Run 7: Jackson 1 yard through the A gap
- 97 beat Bell cleanly to make the tackle. Levitre drove 99 four yards off the ball. Hangartner stood up Wilfork and got a 1-yard drive. Wood locked up 59 at the second level. 94 knocked Butler back and jumped inside to get in on the tackle. Nelson came from across the formation and got enough of 97 (after Bell missed him) to keep it from being a tackle for loss. Schouman battled 96 and eventually cut him.
Pass 10: Jackson, 16 yards
- Bell set up for a blitzer and then helped Levitre when none appeared. With that help Levitre put 97 down. Hangartner kept Wilfork 3 yards from the QB. Wood helped out Hangartner and Butler did a good job keeping 94 from elevating.
Pass 11: Evans, 3 yards
- The pass was gone so fast no one really had time to block. It was reminiscent of the Brady-Welker connections that Welker can sometimes break for 7-10 yards.
Run 8: Jackson 10 yards through the right C gap
- Bell was unfairly tagged for illegal formation - if he was off the line of scrimmage so was Levitre... and maybe Hangartner, too. The crap call negated a beautiful cut on 97. Levitre cut 99. Hangartner didn't cut Wilfork but tangled up his feet enough to keep him out of the play. Wood pulled to lead the play and eventually found 36 to hit. Butler pulled wide and cut 59. Schouman did a great job of jumping outside of 94 and sealing him inside of the line. Nelson did a good job keeping 96 out of the play.
Pass 12: Nelson 2 yards
- Bell stoned 97. Levitre did a good job on 99 and Hangartner chipped him when he tried to elevate. Wood stuffed Wilfork. Butler kept 94 away just long enough for Edwards to get rid of the ball.
Pass 13: Evans drop against a 5-man blitz
- 95 started to get underneath Bell at the corner but was too late to stop the pass. 97 beat Levitre, and Levitre got just enough of a push to send him past Edwards. Hangartner waited and stoned a blitzing LB. Wood kept Wilfork 5 yards from the QB. Butler stuffed 96.
Blitz: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Lee Evans' drop
Drive 5
Run 9: Jackson 9 yards through the left C gap (negated by hold on Nelson)
- Bell pulled and had no one to block. Levitre cut Wilfork immediately. Hangartner went to the second level and kept an arm on 59 for about 10 yards, re-routing him downfield. Wood tried to get inside of 94 but couldn't because of the pile up Levitre and Wilfork created. Butler went to the second level. Schouman turned 97 every which way but loose while Nelson was in fact very guilty of holding.
Pass 14: Incomplete screen (and ticky-tacky person foul on Wilfork)
- It was a screen, so it's kind of expected that defensive linemen will get an easy route to the QB. With that said, Hangartner didn't even pretend to block. 97 saw that and didn't really try to get to Edwards. If Jackson had caught the ball, 97 was in position to shed Bell's block and tackle Jackson for little to no gain. While I think Wilfork is the dirtiest player this side of Haynesworth, he didn't deserve that personal foul flag.
Pass 15: Jackson for 15 yards
- Bell kept 97 well away from Edwards. Levitre tapped 97 and didn't help Hangartner with Wilfork. Hangartner needed the help as Wilfork drove him backwards to the QB. 94 got the angle on Wood, forcing the throw to Jackson. Butler tried to follow 55 on a stunt and wound up badly off balance.
Pass 16: Nelson drop
- Schouman helped Bell (first time in the game Bell had been given help), but 97 almost split their blocks. He lost his balance in the process so Bell slung him down. Levitre neutralized Wilfork. 94 ripped past Hangartner and into Wood. Hangartner switched over to helping Butler with 55, who stuck with 55 as he stunted. Wood initially helped Butler with 55 and then picked up 94 when he got around Hangartner.
Pass 17 Evans for 12 yards against a 6-man blitz
- 97 got inside of Bell but too late. Levitre and Hangartner doubled Wilfork. Wood stuffed 94. When 55 tried turning the corner on Butler, Jackson chipped him.
Pass 18: Overthrow incomplete to Schouman
- Jackson again helped Bell with 95. Knowing he had help on the outside I would have thought Bell would have been better able to counter 95's spin move... but he wasn't. 95 was too far behind the play to catch up. Levitre did a good initial job on 99 but he did get past him. Hangartner and Wood doubled 97. Wood left to help Butler with 55 and eventually put him down. Butler held the corner on 55 but Edwards got happy feet and wound up running right past 55. He was turning to chase Edwards when Wood put Burgess down.
Blitz: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Edwards' poor pass on the move.
Drive 6
Run 10: Jackson 4 yards through the left B gap
- Bell went to the second level and engulfed 96. Levitre got a little push on Wilfork and then turned him to open the run lane. Hangartner initially doubled 94 with Wood and then peeled off to try unsuccessfully to catch 53 at the second level. Butler set the edge on 55. Schouman did a good job keeping 95 away from the play.
Run 11: Jackson 5 yards through the A gap
- 95 popped Bell and got inside to try to chase the play. Levitre and Hangartner got a push on Wilfork and Levitre then peeled and tried to get a piece of 59. Wood chipped 94 and went to the second level to hit 96, who was still in on the tackle. Butler got inside of 94 but Jackson ran right into him. Schouman danced with Burgess well away from the play.
Pass 19: Owens 27 yards
- Bell was beaten to the corner badly by 95. Edwards stepped up into the pocket. He could do so because Levitre and Hangartner kept 75 on the line of scrimmage (LOS). Wood got 94 turned and wouldn't let him turn back to Edwards. Butler pushed Burgess past Edwards.
Run 12: Jackson for -4 yards through the left C gap
- Bell locked up 96 for the entire play. Levitre got terrific drive on Wilfork: two yards back and 5 yards to the left. Hangartner hit 59 in the second level and kept him out of the play. 94 swam inside of Wood and should have had a tackle for loss. Butler thought he was just sealing the edge and didn't really lay into 36, who eventually made the tackle when Jackson tried to cut back to the right. Schouman killed the play by being demolished by 95.
Pass 20: Sack -6 yards
- Bell had an obvious hold on 95, which would have killed the play even had Edwards gotten the ball to someone. Levitre and Hangartner doubled Wilfork and kept him on the LOS. Wood and Butler initially doubled 94. Butler then peeled to get 55 who was first chipped by Schouman.
Pass 21: Schouman for 16 yards against a 5-man blitz
- Bell beat 95 to the corner. Levitre was driven back to Edwards and to his knees by 97. Hangartner and Wood stuffed a twist by 99 and 59. Butler beat 55 to the corner.
Blitz: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Demetrius Bell (Buffalo did get a field goal)
Drive 7
Pass 22: Incomplete, should have been an INT (terrible Edwards decision)
- Bell and Levitre doubled Wilfork. Hangartner stuffed 94 while Wood waited for a blitzer. Butler slowed 55 enough to let Edwards roll out. Schouman had a great cut block on 95.
Run 13: Jackson 5 yards thorught he left C gap
- Bell shoved 75 into the pile. Levitre got Wilfork down and laid on him. Hangartner went to the second level and locked up 96. Wood stoned 94 and put him on his ass. Butler hit 55 on the edge and kept him well away from the play. Schouman didn't do any particular good with his blocking.
Pass 23: Owens 9 yards against a 5-man blitz (negated by Owens offensive pass interference)
- Bell beat 95 to the corner and stopped him. Levitre pushed 97 inside and opened the throwing lane with some help from Hang. Wood stopped 99 from getting an inside jump. Butler and Burgess did little more than glare at one another on the edge of the line. Jackson did what neither Omon or Rhodes could in preseason: stopped a blitzer (59) in his tracks.
Pass 24: Jackson screen for 18 yards
- Bell and Levitre did a very good job of selling the screen, unlike the earlier one that was INC. Hangartner snuck out to lead play, but was too slow to block anyone. Wood dropped a filling 59 in his tracks to spring Jackson. Burgess got past Butler faster than Edwards would have liked.
Run 14: Jackson 3 yards through the A gap
- Bell hit 96 in the second level but he was still in on the tackle. Levitre stood up Wilfork; no drive either way. Hangartner chipped 95 then stopped 59 at the second level. 94 got around Wood but not until the play was all but over. Butler kept Burgess 10 yards from Jackson. Schouman did a good job on 95.
Run 15: Jackson 9 yards on a delayed handoff through the right B gap
- Bell ran with 95 to the corner and back again once the play went the other way. Bell missed the cut at the end of the play. Levitre fired out and into 59 like he was a blocking sled coated with chocolate. Wilfork got upfield but Hangartner kept him turned away from Jackson. When 94 jumped inside Wood let him and then sealed him there and away from the run lane. Butler let 55 get to the corner and kept him from chasing the play from behind. Schouman got a piece of 96 at the second level.
Pass 26: Jackson drop against a 5-man blitz
- Bell hit 95 and followed him as he stunted to the inside. Wilfork drove Levitre to his knees, spun away from him and almost got to Edwards. Hangartner and Wood doubled 94. Burgess beat Butler to the corner but Butler got under Burgess' pads and pushed him past Edwards.
Run 16: Omon 7 Yards through the right C gap
- Bell abused Burgess and tossed him upfield. Levitre drove 59 eight yards downfield. Hangartner turned Wilfork away from the run lane. Wood went to the second level and got a piece of 31, but not enough to keep him from getting in on the tackle. Butler was driven past the run lane by 94, effectively removing 94 from the play.
Run 17: Jackson 3 yards through the right B gap
- Bell cut 97 and Levitre cut Wilfork. Hangartner went to the second level and got some drive on 59. Wood turned 94 away from the run lane and kept him there. Butler went to the second level and got a piece of 31 but not enough to keep him getting in on the tackle. (Sound familiar?) Nelson put 96 down on the edge. Schouman failed to cut Burgess but disrupted his balance enough to keep him out of the play.
Pass 26: Sack -8 yards against a 6-man blitz (negated by legit personal foul on 96 for slamming QB to the ground)
- Bell chipped 97 for Schouman and then locked up 59. Levitre pushed Wilfork into the pile but wasn't fast enough to reset and stop stunting 96. 94 walked Hangartner back to Edwards. Wood helped out with Wilfork and Butler did an okay job on Burgess. Schouman was beaten badly by 97, even with initial help from Bell.
Run 18: Jackson 3 yards through the right C gap
- Bell gave 97 a shove as he tried to chase play. Levitre and Hangartner dug out Wilfork and drove him 3 yards. Wood stood up 94. Burgess got around Butler and slowed down Jackson for others to make the tackle. Nelson and Schouman initially doubled 96. Schouman left and missed cut on 36.
Run 19: Jackson -1 yard through the left C gap
- Bell pulled wide but was too slow to get to the DB who made the tackle. Levitre cut Wilfork. (I like typing that. I'm not even using cut and paste because I really, really like typing that.) Hangartner went to the second level and couldn't catch 59 to block him. Wood cut 94. Butler went to the second level but there was no one to block. Schouman did a good job on 97. Nelson took a false step which kept him from blocking anyone. He could have taken out the DB who made the tackle if he had gone right at him.
Pass 27: Scramble for 10 yards
- Bell pushed 95 around the corner. Levitre gave ground to 97 opening a passing or, as it turned out, scramble lane. Hangartner chipped 97. Wood put 99 down and Bell stuffed Burgess.
Pass 28: Thrown away versus a 5-man blitz
- Bell stopped 58 long enough to keep him out of the play. Levitre gave ground to 97 but never let him go. Wilfork blew past Hangartner to force Edwards to run and throw the ball away. 94 tried everything he could think of against Wood and might as well have just stood there for all the good it did him. Butler never let Burgess get off the LOS.
Pass 29: Jackson screen for 10 yards, TD against a 5-man blitz
- Bell pushed 58 upfield but wasn't fast enough to get downfield in time to block anyone. Levitre got in front of the screen after letting 75 go. Levitre flung a DB into the end zone. Hangartner let 94 chase QB and took out 59 in space, allowing Jackson to score. Wood was run over by 94. Butler stuffed Burgess.
Blitz: 5
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: N/A
Drive 8
Pass 30: Owens 19 yards
- Bell stuffed 97. Levitre, Hangartner and Wood tripled 99 and Butler stoned Burgess at the corner.
Pass 31: Sack -1 yards
- Bell was confused when 95 dropped into coverage. Levitre picked up 59 on a slightly delayed rush. Hangartner did a good job on 99 and Wood stopped 97. Burgess beat Butler with a spin move. Had Butler driven Burgess when he spun Edwards had quite a bit of green in front of him. It could have been a 10ish yard gain.
Pass 32: Incomplete, Edwards hit while throwing
- Bell wound up on his knees after a double spin move by 95. Levitre did a fair job on 97 and Hangartner picked up a stunting Burgess. 99 split a double team by Wood and Butler to get the hit on Edwards.
Pass 33: Sack -6 yards
- 95 beat Bell with a spin move to get the sack. Levitre stopped 97 and Hangartner had the initial block on 99. Wood helped Butler with Burgess but had to leave him to pick up 99. When he did, Burgess beat Butler and would have gotten the sack if 95 hadn't.
Pass 34: Hook and ladder play
- The line did a good enough job for Edwards to get the pass off. Bell got help.
| RUN PLAYS | PASS PLAYS | |||||||||
| Name | G | D | B | K | H | G | D | B | K | S |
| Demetrius Bell | 5 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 25 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Andy Levitre | 9 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 27 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Geoff Hangartner | 1 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 29 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Eric Wood | 2 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 26 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Brad Butler | 1 | 14 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 30 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Run plays by gap | ||||
| LC | LB | A | RB | RC |
| 8-32 | 1-4 | 3-9 | 2-12 | 5-25 |
| 4.0 ypa | 4.0 ypa | 3.0 ypa | 6.0 ypa | 5.0 ypa |
Legend, chart one: H=Help; G=Good; D=Decent; B=Bad; K=Killed; S=Sack
Legend, chart two: LC=Left C; LB=Left B; A=A gap; RB=Right B; RC=Right C; ypa=yards per attempt
The first thing that jumped right out at me was how well Levitre did in the run game. He was a big part of the reason that Wilfork, a guy who simply ate our centers for lunch game after game, wasn't much of a factor. He had as many good run plays as all four of the other linemen combined. Members of the coaching staff had Levitre rated higher than Wood prior to this past April's draft. How's that for prescient? If he plays as well in the run game as he did in Foxboro (against one of the NFL's better defensive lines, mind you), Levitre will be visiting Hawaii... after going to the Pro Bowl in Miami. It's true that Levitre, like each of the linemen, had his share of bad pass plays, but I'm hoping that that will improve as he gains experience.
On the topic of interior linemen, I found it interesting that on the 19 total run plays, Buffalo doubled Wilfork just 3 times. The only other player who was doubled was 94, who was doubled twice. The Bills expected their interior linemen to handle their assignments on run plays pretty much one on one. The faith in two rookies and a guy moving from guard to center is nothing short of remarkable. It also helps explain why the Bills averaged 4.3 yards per rush (82 yards on 19 carries) and had almost as many run plays go for 9 or more yards (4) as run plays that went for less than 3 yards (5). Guys were available to get upfield and take on defenders instead of staying on the line doubling Wilfork. (On pass plays, by the way, the tackles were also expected to hold their own, being helped a total of 4 times during the game.)
But that wasn't the only factor contributing to Buffalo's ability to run almost at will. At no time did the Patriots stack the box. Many times the Bills' offensive line was facing just 6 defenders in the box. Yes, it is nice to outnumber the defense at the point of attack - which the Bills sometimes did in their two TE sets. It's the T.O. factor at play. While we have paid the most attention to the impact T.O. would have on the passing game (double him or double Evans), he may have an even greater impact on the running game. Simply put, the Patriots were scared to death of leaving either Owens or Evans in single coverage... so they didn't and chose the death of 1,000 (or, in this case, 19) cuts. Look for other teams to do the same.
The Patriots didn't sit back on their haunches, of course. Belichick sent blitzes on 10 of 34 (29%) pass plays. Edwards completed passes against 4 of those blitzes, each for 9 or more yards. He would have completed 7 of 10 if Owens, Evans and Jackson hadn't each had drops. He might have been 8 of 10 if not for a batted pass. One of the 10 blitz-passes was negated by the personal foul generated when Edwards was roughed, and one was a throw through the back of the end zone. So, after his receivers spend some quality time on the Jugs machine, Edwards should be his usual deadly self against the blitz. Indeed, on the last TD drive the Patriots blitzed 5 of 8 pass plays... including the touchdown throw.
Something else occurred to me as I re-watched the offense. The Bills demonstrated an ability to overcome negative plays/calls in a way that the team simply couldn't have over the past three seasons. There was a resilience to the team. Instead of hanging their heads when Jackson was stuffed for -4 yards and Edwards was sacked for -6 yards, the Bills came back and gained 16 yards on third down to set up a field goal. Naturally, this was helped by the manner in which the Bills didn't dig their own graves on first and second downs and instead were generally in third and manageable.
I do have concerns. For example, several times during the game I noticed that linemen were attempting to follow stunting defenders. I don't know that it's something that they're being told to do or if they're just doing it spontaneously. In either case, it needs to stop. First, the linemen aren't agile enough to chase a stunting defender around other offensive linemen and defenders. Second, it won't take long for a defense to send one guy on a stunt and a second defender on a delayed rush once the lineman vacates his area to chase the first defender. All things considered, however, the line played remarkably well for being such a young and inexperienced unit.
Yes, it's only one game (against the presumptive Super Bowl favorites), but bring on Tampa Bay!
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Have fun reading this one, folks. It’s quite long, but obviously worth the time investment. :)
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"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 17, 2009 7:43 PM EDT reply actions
It was a great read
Ron I always look forward to your Drive breakdowns.
Great job and thank you for taking the time to do it, it is very much appreciated.
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
It’s quite long, but obviously worth the time investment. :)
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Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Ignoring the grumblings on Rumblings.
by MattRichWarren on Sep 19, 2009 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Oustanding
Really appreciate the time and effort to break things down like this. Well worth the read.
Thanks for fixing the chart, Brian. I thought I actually had it lined up pretty well but it looks nicer in box format.
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 stuff
Ron. I have been re-watching this game 4 x already, (except for the last 5 mins of course) and came away thoroughly impressed with Wood, Hang and Levitre. What I love is their agility. On Screens their ability to handle Wilfork, and then move on to the 2nd level. Their speed downfield was quite impressive.
What irriitates me is this: Evans and Owens were played off by the DB’s a lot like 5-8 yds, with safeties way deep over the top. Why then, don’t we run more outs and hooks to those guys? Moss made a living at that on Monday night. 3 step drops from Brady to Moss on outs. I don’t understand how that is not part of our offense.
FInally, Butler and Bell seem to have struggled in pass protection some. However, in no way shape or form can anyone say that this line (as I stated in this phenomenal article I penned on Monday) is worse off than last year, or with Walker at LT rather than Bell, or with Schonert rather than Van Pelt. Rock on OL, I think we have something special with all 5 guys on this line and that’s something we haven’t had in over a decade
MARVelous - "I went from America's team to North America's Team" Terrell Owens
i think the TO and Evans thing you are talking about
is more on AVP than anything else. First game play calling, and he said himself that the patriots did a relly good job at masking their coverages. AVP will learn as this season goes on, he will be able to notice and adjust to those type of coverages. im sure getting TO involved is a priority. he also missed quite a bit of preseason, so hes shaking off the rust as much as anyone.
Buffalo, that's where it's at baby. - Adam 'Pacman' Jones
by silverstreak3k on Sep 17, 2009 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah
AVP will learn I hope. But Trent should see that and audible to that. That’s a simple pitch and catch. Db’s playing off T.O. AND Evans and a quick check to those guys I’d like to see more of. That will force DB’s to plan tighter, and then allow our WR’s to get behind the DB’s and the big plays will start to happen over the top…All the great QB’s make you cover the ENTIRE field. That’s what I hope this offense develops into this season….an offense that attacks the entire field (Deep to Evans/Owens, Seams to Nelson, Schouman and Reed, flats/screens to lynch/jackson, and then the extra element is T.O./Evans short routes on the outside on the 3-9 yard routes, especially on 3rd downs)
MARVelous - "I went from America's team to North America's Team" Terrell Owens
Wow Ron...
thanks for doing all the work that it took to break down every possession from the standpoint of each guy on the line. My position coach in college did something similar for us each week and he was phenomenally fanatic, but even he wasn’t this thorough. Do you coach in NM? How did you come to have such a good eye for what life is like in the trenches? What made you decide to follow the Bills?
The World's Greatest Heroes are Always Unsung
The first game I ever saw was at a relatives house in Rochester in the early 80s. The first play I saw was a bomb for a TD. I was hooked. Little did I know that the Bills weren’t scoring very many TDs at all….let alone dramatic ones. I lived in Buffalo for a year (Kelly’s first) when the Air Force exiled my father to Korea because we have family in that area.
I’m not a coach and got into the break downs because I was frustrated with people saying this guy sucks or that guy is great. It just became noise and shouting so I committed to watching what every lineman does on every play. It’s time consuming but I really do learn a lot about the offensive line. Sometimes I’m able to call personnel moves well ahead of the curve; my most notable was Butler taking Preston’s job within 4 games of his first preseason 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
by Ron From NM on Sep 17, 2009 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Cool...
it’s good to know the backstory and I’m glad you’re a Rumbler. Your articles make this site unique.
The World's Greatest Heroes are Always Unsung
by ProudofMyDad on Sep 17, 2009 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Great job as always Ron
That was enjoyable.
Would you say the mistakes in the pass game were technique or just getting overpowered?
Anybody else see Bell starting to run off the field after he allowed the sack on the last drive? What was that all about?
~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."
Would you say the mistakes in the pass game were technique or just getting overpowered?
I’d also like to know this. We’ve all heard that Bell still has room to grow in the strength department, and he’s a rookie, so overpowered/technique are less worrisome from him than they are for Butler.
I don’t try to identify the ‘why’ so much as the what. The ‘why’ tends to lend itself to the subjective, particularly since I’m watching the same game you are. My intent is to try to be as objective as possible in order to come up with reliable data.
My (subjective) sense of Bell, at this point having seen him against a real defense exactly 54 snaps, is that he lacks experience and possibly is lacking technique-wise. I say that mainly because he was beaten by things like spin moves instead of being overpowered. As always, though, it would really take thorough review of coaches tape to make any kind of definitive statements.
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 Sep 17, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions
however, his strength and agility were a thing to behold. for a guy who is basically just a rookie and got the job a few days ago…i thought he played an excellent game at the most difficult spot short of QB on the offense. sure, he had some crappy calls on him, and he did draw a few of them – but he certainly played better than i expected.
EDWARDS THE NEW PISTOL , OWENS THE BAD SLAYER , EVANS THE FLYING METEOR AND COMING SOON THE BEAST MODE THIS IS SPARBUFONIA - abayarde
by the_prophet on Sep 17, 2009 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Awesome - as always
Rec’d!
Your review is always appreciated! Thanks again.
What I would find usefull is a summary, like a cliff’s notes version of what you thought of each individual.
Also how did you think the TE’s and RB’s did with their blocks. I think this is especially interesting, considering we had Nelson out there a lot more than I thought and had released Rhodes, rumor having it that he wasn’t a good blocker.
I was especially surprised at the solid contact which Nelson made downfield on a couple of blocks I remember.
"You play to win the game, you don't play to just play it" - Herm Edwards
by Jason from OH-IO on Sep 17, 2009 10:34 PM EDT reply actions
2nd level
On one play I saw Wood and Bell running ahead of Jackson I bet 10 yds downfield. My first thought was, “is that legal?!”
it’s been a long time since we’ve seen that =)
EDWARDS THE NEW PISTOL , OWENS THE BAD SLAYER , EVANS THE FLYING METEOR AND COMING SOON THE BEAST MODE THIS IS SPARBUFONIA - abayarde
by the_prophet on Sep 17, 2009 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions
wow, levitre really put in a good game, according to these numbers. everyone was ready to dump him after that sack in the first game he played, but it’s obvious that he’s got what it takes. hang played well too, considering that he’s been called a journeyman center at best.
i’m SO excited about this line this year. if this is how they played this game…whew. assuming they’re planning on keeping this line together all year, they need a developmental C/G and maybe another tackle for depth, and that line will be developing into one of the better ones in football.
EDWARDS THE NEW PISTOL , OWENS THE BAD SLAYER , EVANS THE FLYING METEOR AND COMING SOON THE BEAST MODE THIS IS SPARBUFONIA - abayarde
Jonathan Scott, who made the 53-man roster this year, is your OT-in-waiting. I agree completely about the C/G.
i meant one beyond him, although for some reason i thought he was a guard. you figure that you want eight total linemen – a spare tackle, a guard, and a guard/center beyond the starting five.
EDWARDS THE NEW PISTOL , OWENS THE BAD SLAYER , EVANS THE FLYING METEOR AND COMING SOON THE BEAST MODE THIS IS SPARBUFONIA - abayarde
by the_prophet on Sep 18, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
We do have 8 linemen – Scott, Kirk Chambers and Seth McKinney.
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"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 18, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, I think prophet was suggesting that we need someone better than McKinney to be that key back-up on a long-term basis and I agree.
Gotcha. We’re going to have to wait a while to make that upgrade, however.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 18, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
this was what i was saying. chambers is the G that can help out on T, scott’s the T, and we’d want a G/C to help cover the rest. doesn’t even need to be that great, to be honest. just a body that’s got a little more upside than mckinney.
EDWARDS THE NEW PISTOL , OWENS THE BAD SLAYER , EVANS THE FLYING METEOR AND COMING SOON THE BEAST MODE THIS IS SPARBUFONIA - abayarde
Thanks Ron. Even if your post hadn’t been filled with such awesomeness, I would have had to rec it just for this phrase:
the much-heralded Eric Wood and lesser-ballyhooed Andy Levitre
In watching the game, I was super impressed with Levitre and Hangartner. I wish I had a copy of the game to go over each drive with your notes.
Wouldn't it be ironic if this team imploded and it had nothing to do with TO?
great job on this
hey this was a great read. very insightful for anyone who really wants to learn more about the game. you really have to look at each play with different focal points to really see the coaching shining through.
great read Ron, rec'd.
thanks for the information. I think one of the biggest things with levitre and wood is there hand placement/work. There is a lot of hand fighting that goes on and they have improved by leaps and bounds in that area. Bell is a work in progress but he has gotten so much better over the course of 1 year. The sky is the limit for that kid if he keeps working at his craft.
I thought Hangartner had a good game as well. People think of him as a journeyman type of OL but he was beaten out by a 2nd round draft pick (Kalil) who was the first C drafted in 2006. Hang is technically efficient and quick. I like this line, I think it will only improve from here.
I was very encouraged by what I saw. You’re breakdown confirms it.
I was expecting Bell to experience some hickups and he did. I was very impressed by his athleticism and I am convinced that this kid is going to be good, very good. I am anxious to see if he learns quickly from his errors.
I was not impressed to see that there was no TE helping him out when he gave up the sack late in the 4rth quarter. I expect the coaching staff to realize that Bellichick is going to put extra pressure on the weakest link to try to pull out a win, so I was disapointed to see that they left him on an island.
I was skeptical of the Hangman signing because there were so many good experienced veteran Centers available last off season and now after seeing him in the pre-season and now against Wilfork, man I am happy! I tip my hat to OBD, they called it right! And the beauty is that Hangman is young and will be with us for many years to come at a very reasonable cost.
I was also very impressed by our new rookie TE, Nelson did great. I think this kid is going to be huge for us this year. The injury to Fine is great because it’s giving Nelson a chance to show his stuff and hopefully, he’ll earn a starting position and then Fine & Schouman can then battle it out, I still think that when healthy, Fine is far superior to Schouman in pure blocking.
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
For better or worse, the coaches trusted the linemen to do their jobs without help except for 4 plays when one tackle or the other was given assistance. In the long run I think it pays off. In the short run, giving Bell a little more help would have been the smart thing to do.
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 Stuff
As a long-time Bills fan that has lived in Philly for the past 15 years, I love being able to log into Rumblings — great stuff everyone! What probably irked me the most about the game was Brady methodically picking us apart w/ the 3 step drop to Welker and Moss the last two drives — AND when a LB gets beat twice by the same play and doesn’t look back for the ball either time, that sends me into orbit. Whatever happened to backpedaling into coverage where you can keep your eye somewhat on the ball? This turning and running and watching as the TE runs out of space in the back of endzone and still NOT turning around is high school stuff.
by AlwaysaBillinPhilly on Sep 18, 2009 8:46 AM EDT reply actions
Thanks again Ron from NM!
Awesome, awesome read. I’m still not quite sure that I can believe the number of cut blocks that you counted. Bills throwing cuts? Impossible! Keep up the good work.
As always, enjoyed it thoroughly
Thanks for the writeup!
Bills fan half way around the world
Awesome, Detailed Work!
Howdy Ron,
I’ve never come across your O-Line breakdowns previously, but I am exceedingly impressed with the quality and effort of your work.
Do you think that Demetrious Bell will work out at left tackle? Or will the Bills be looking at the Tackle position in the draft next year??
It looks like part of your comment was deleted. I think I read it earlier while I was on my Crackberry and don’t remember anything obscene….
If you run the Drafttek site, I’ve got to say that I really like it. I hit it quite a few times when we were tyring to guess who the Bills would draft.
It’s too early to tell with Bell, naturally. The initial signs are promising but the league has had more than a few one game wonders. (Didn’t Ryan Leaf start 2-0?) My guess is that we’ll know by mid-season or so if the coaching staff think he can get the job done. If Bell is doing as well (or better) than he did on Monday night there’s a good chance that Buffalo passes on top OT prospects and instead focuses on positions that have been overlooked for far too long, like LB. Oh, and if Bell pans out it definitely improves the chances of Jauron sticking around….and he has a history of (1) loyalty and (2) sticking with projects making the move to LT.
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
I certainly didn’t type anything obscence – wonder if someones got ahold of my password here on SBNation. Will keep an eye on it.
Yup I run the Drafttek site! I correspond with Brian periodically during the draft “season”, although I have a Bills correspondent who does most of the groundwork for Buffalo.
But the Bills are my team of choice and it sure would be great to see them return to their glory years. What a difference TO makes. He doesn’t get the ball as much as he’d like I’m sure, but with he and Evans drawing off coverage, the running game is stampeding.
The OL must be doing something right.
Look forward to your next analysis!
Great job Ron. I finally got around to reading this. I was very surprised with the OL play on Monday and reading this it looks like you were pleased. I am relieved they made the switch from Walker to Bell now. We can say they should have done this in the spring or whatever but the fact is it was the right move and it took considerably guts to start three rookies on the OL and so far it has paid off.
Excellent job again.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Ignoring the grumblings on Rumblings.
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