Saints 27, Bills 7: Shot Feet and Opportunities Missed
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 7:47 AM EDT
in News
138 comments
The Buffalo Bills lost a Week 3 home contest to the New Orleans Saints 27-7 yesterday. Pre-game, if any Bills fan had been asked to predict how the Bills would lose the game, the crowd predicting "shut down Drew Brees and put forth an offensive attack as ugly any single-game performance in team history" would have been small.
I generally dive right into deeper, more meaningful analysis right away, but I couldn't bring myself to do it this morning. This most recent loss was perhaps the most irritating I've witnessed as a fan of this team, because we played toe-to-toe with a legitimate Super Bowl contender and left countless opportunities on the field to win the darned thing. So I'm doing a krytime-style mind dump this morning - it's all the rage - just to do a little venting. Hope y'all don't mind.
Buffalo beat themselves. That's not to say the Saints didn't beat us, because they did. They didn't do it the way most thought - which is a credit to the Bills, actually - but they certainly closed the game out convincingly in the fourth quarter. That said, I harped all week - to the point where I was actually irritated with myself at how repetitive I was getting - about Buffalo playing mistake-free football. They turned the ball over twice and committed 12 penalties for 116 yards. Add in the fact that the offense converted 2 of 14 third-down opportunities - one of the most miserable stats I've ever seen - and that's the ball game. We handed it to New Orleans on a silver platter.
Opportunities were left on the field. I'll get to the defense momentarily, because I thought they were brilliant. Buffalo was in this game for 50 minutes, mostly because the Saints had scored only 10 points to that point in the game. The offense drove into field goal range in the third quarter, but Trent Edwards - who was terrible - tried to force a slant in to Terrell Owens, and the Saints tipped the pass and DE Will Smith picked it off. Then Trent had T.O. wide open on a bomb that surely would have gone for a touchdown on a good throw, but the pass was long. The plays, and the points, were there for the taking. Those missed opportunities are even more frustrating considering the above paragraph.
We need more from this offense. That seems obvious - and it is obvious - but it works on small levels, too. More points, more yards, more balance - these are all obvious things. I appreciated how blunt coordinator Alex Van Pelt was post-game in taking the blame and, most importantly, acknowledging that he needs to find more creative ways to get the ball into the hands of Terrell Owens and Lee Evans. These guys are making $16 million this season for a reason - they're your best players. We've got to find ways to use them - the time for go routes-or-bust with these guys is over. AVP needs to find a way to diversify the passing attack - and particularly the types of routes run by his top two targets - without overwhelming his already-overwhelmed quarterback. Have fun with that one, coach.
What's up with Edwards' accuracy? Even in two solid performances to open the season, Trent Edwards has been spotty at best in the accuracy department this season. On one throw, he'll thread the needle down the seam, and on the next, he'll throw high, behind or long. I hate chalking it up to his being a young quarterback, because accuracy is supposed to be his strong suit. Maybe he's pressing; I couldn't tell you. But he's been errant on some pretty basic throws, and that's cause for concern.
The O-Line is what it is. These guys are so tremendously inexperienced that mistakes are expected. They're incredibly competent run blockers, and they do a pretty solid job in pass protection, too, despite the fact that Edwards was harrassed to no end yesterday. They struggle with the blitz, but it's on Van Pelt to find ways to make defenses pay for sending the house. Five linemen can't block seven blitzers. Our two best linemen yesterday? Jonathan Scott (lots of mistake-free, heady ball) and Andy Levitre (who has been our most consistently dominant lineman through three weeks). These guys will be fine long-term, but man, some of their mistakes are frustrating.
Give Perry Fewell his props, folks. It's become pretty en vogue around these parts to bash Perry Fewell for his defensive scheme, his coaching tendencies, and the many failures of our defense under his watch. He had Drew Brees - the best quarterback in the league right now - completely flustered yesterday. He got pressure, he mixed coverages, and he held the Saints' 46-points-per-game offense to 10 points in 50 minutes. He had his troops prepared to play, and they by far exceeded anyone's expectations. Don't completely disregard the fact that the flood gates opened to the tune of 17 fourth-quarter points - the D certainly folded - but they gave their team opportunity after opportunity to beat this Saints team, and the offense couldn't capitalize.
Bob Sanders is one hell of a coach. All four of Buffalo's defensive linemen - Aaron Schobel, Chris Kelsay (!), Marcus Stroud and Kyle Williams - have flashed dominance this season. Kelsay has been outstanding. Schobel looks much closer to his old self than he did in 2007. Chalk some of that up to Sanders' tutelage, because Bill Kollar certainly never made this group look like anything other than incredibly average players. They're playing well above average right now. Now we just need to get that Maybin kid going...
Drink your milk, Bills players. It's nearly as frustrating to watch Bills players drop like flies as it is to watch this team lose. Leodis McKelvin, Donte Whitner, Bryan Scott and Demetrius Bell all left the game today with various injuries. Derek Fine played late in the game with essentially one arm. It's tough to win games when you're this young, but it's obviously much tougher when you can't get any continuity in personnel. We've got to find a way to stay healthy.
Paul Posluszny's cast is off. Poz was on the sidelines yesterday, and he didn't have a cast on either arm. That was encouraging to see. It was also encouraging to see him sitting on the bench next to Marcus Buggs and his fellow linebackers, actively involved in the game. I can't wait to get this kid back on the field.
Don't waste your time trying to blame one entity for this loss. Lots went wrong. I speak specifically to Dick Jauron's decision to punt in fourth-and-short with roughly 7 minutes remaining in the ball game. I didn't like the decision (though I didn't boo), mostly because it was a makeable distance and the decision to punt took an opportunity away from an offense that clearly needed as many as it could get. But the game was already slipping away - it was 17-7 at the time - and the decision had no effect on team morale nor the final outcome. Can't just blame the offense, either. It's a team game, and thus, it's a team loss.
We miss Derek Schouman. There, I said it.
Welcome back, Mr. Lynch. The timing of Marshawn Lynch's return to the team could not be more perfect. Fred Jackson is my absolute favorite player on this team, but he's made more effective when he doesn't have to carry the entire load. We're about to enter a critical stretch in our schedule, with two of our next three games on the road against divisional opponents. We'll need all hands on deck, and hopefully, Marshawn's return brings back some of the offensive balance that was lost in the New Orleans defeat.
Miami is a must-win. The defending AFC East champs are 0-3, and might be playing Buffalo without QB Chad Pennington. They're obviously very talented and very dangerous, but they're 0-3. If Buffalo is anything more than a pretender, that's a game they absolutely have to win - particularly considering the fact that they've dropped seven straight divisional games. They'll have a hard time coming back from a loss to Miami next week; if that happens, the frustration will reach an early boiling point.
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Where we should be
Yeah, the results are, as you say, irritating. We could have won in New England. Maybe could have won here. Meaning there was an opportunity. But should we have won either game? I don’t think so. In both games the other team played better. And I think most predictions made before the start of the season would have had us 1-2 at this point.
Overall, we’ve been a better team than I thought we’d be pre-season.
I agree with most of what you say about the game itself. One caveat I might raise later. Anyway, Lynch coming back is going to be a big plus And we’ve got some winnable games coming up. Cleveland is a total train wreck. Mangini isn’t going to last the year. Miami might be dangerous. They are desperate.
So yeah, irritating.
by Applsoss on Sep 28, 2009 7:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
“Where we should be” doesn’t cut it for me. We’ve lost two winnable games. If that’s where we “should” be, then there are some seriously flawed expectations here. Our expectation should be to win games we have the opportunity to win.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 7:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But we were outplayed in both these games. And what do you mean by flawed expectations? At the beginning of the season did you expect us to be 3-0? I think in the pre-game predictions for both our losses you predicted we would lose. These may be low expectations, but “flawed”?
Yes, it’s incredibly frustrating to come close in games where nobody gave us a chance. And if we’re going to make it to the playoffs we have to find a way to win those games. But I guess I’m not as irritated as you because I honestly didn’t think we deserved to win either of the games we’ve lost.
by Applsoss on Sep 28, 2009 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Predictions are predictions – ultimately, they’re completely meaningless. When you’re up 24-13 with 5 minutes left in NE, you expect to win. When you do a near-perfect job against Drew Brees and hold the Saints to 36 points less than their season per-game average through 50 minutes, you expect to win. We didn’t win either game. That’s not progress.
Good teams win games they’re out-played in. That’s my point – we keep losing games we had ample opportunities to put away.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think we’re really disagreeing about that much. Though I don’t know if we had “ample opportunities” to put those games away. We had our chances.
Maybe my feelings were coloured a bit by the early SF/Minnesota game. Now if you’re a SF fan (or, like me, just a passionate Favre hater), you have every right to feel irritated. That was a game SF SHOULD have won. I guess that’s the difference I mean in a nutshell.
by Applsoss on Sep 28, 2009 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to agree with Applsoss here. This team is still so young, and essentially has the same coaching staff. There really isn’t any good reason to expect that they’ll be able to play “mistake-free” football against a team like NO.
1-2 – it’s exactly what every realistic person saw the Bills record would be after the first three games.
The one encouraging thing I see is that they’re playing better in the beginning of games than they did last year.
I remain convinced that somehow Drew Rosenhaus negotiated a playing time deal for Roscoe into the contract for TO.
by thefourwinds on Sep 28, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like to think I’m as realistic as they come. I fail to see how expecting the Bills to hold onto a 24-13 lead or score some points when you’re shutting down Drew Brees isn’t realistic. Am I really being unreasonable in expecting to win those games? If we’re ever going to be good, those are scenarios where the Bills have to come out on top.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right
but what he is saying is that before the games were played we did not expect them to win
they put them selves in positions to win these games but were unable to close, this is what the Bills do, they make every loss more painful than it should be.
But as a positive, atleast they are showing they are better than expected and may become a better team fasrer than expected
"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-
by billsoferie on Sep 28, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They won’t be a “better” team until they win the games they should win. That is my point. Yeah, they’ve played well, but they need to learn to close, and they need to do it ASAFP.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you're skipping a step there
before “should win,” there has to be an adjustment at halftime if you’re behind or an adjustment to how the opposing team is going to attack in the fourth quarter when you have a lead. This coaching staff struggles with this.
by Kooz on Sep 28, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There were defensive adjustments, and very good ones at that. The offense couldn’t adjust – Trent had a terrible day not just throwing, but in diagnosing blitzes pre-snap. But even with this supposed lack of adjustments – one of the most ambiguous things I’ve ever heard used as an excuse – there were plays to be made that could have swung the momentum. Those plays were not made.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jouron is not good for a lot of things, but keeping us from committing penalties is usually something we CAN count on. Whatever takes place in the second half reflects how you can rate a coaching staff. We could allways trust Marv at halftime, if Jouron can’t do it(and I don’t think he’s going anywhere) someone else will have to step up, be it AVP, April or someone else. Sad but true. This team has the talent to win any game, putting them in position to do so has to come from someone, and soon.
"This is what happens Larry!, This is what happens! "-Walter Sobchak
by BigEasyBillsKrewe on Sep 28, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jauron
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying
Kawika = TORNADO OF SOULS
by J2 on Sep 28, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Going in circles
Yeah, but my point is that these were NOT games we “should” have won. We were outplayed. I’m not making excuses, I’m just saying our record reflects the reality of how we’ve played so far against the competition.
by Applsoss on Sep 28, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well then that’s where we disagree. We had opportunities to win those games, and found ways to lose. I don’t care if there’s a perception that we were outplayed – when a game’s available to win, you have to win it.
If you had asked me what their record would have been pre-season, I would have said 1-2. My only point here is that that prediction is completely and utterly meaningless.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
These were definitely games we should have won. The Pats game should have been won. Who cares that they were expected to beat us going into the game? Brian is dead on when he says we should expect to win games when we’re up 24-13 with 5 minutes to play. I don’t know how anyone can go with the whole “well we weren’t expected to win before the game, so it’s ok in the end that we didn’t win” idea. This team makes too many crucial errors. Yesterday, the D had held the Saints to 10 points for most of the game. It should be expected that the Offense is able to actually score points and take advantage of how the D played.
~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 28, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not where we should be, but where we thought we'd be!
I see both sides, we definitely shouldn’t be where we are based upon the team’s performance, we definitely s/b 2-1 if not 3-0. However, when we all checked off the games that B-lo would win this year, we figured they’d lose to the Pats and maybe the Saints, so we are sitting as expected.
They have to go to MIA and win the ‘must win’ division game next week or this season is again going to be a bust!
Who can make a play? I can make a play!
-T.O.
by Sluss88 on Sep 28, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Arrrrrrrgh
This is my last shot at this. Guess I haven’t been clear. Either that or we just disagree.
How can you say we should have won against New England? Yes, we had an opportunity to win. But if we had won, it would have been a STEAL. There was an over FIFTEEN-MINUTE differential in time of possession! They gained nearly 200 more total yards. Their special teams were better. They weren’t penalized as much. You can’t even blame the fumble. The breaks in that game evened out. Schobel got an interception and ran it back for a touchdown earlier in the game. We got our breaks, they got theirs.
I’m not saying everything is OK because we all predicted we’d lose these games. I brought that up because of the earlier comment Brian made about flawed expectations. Expectations have been realistic. But you can’t hive off one snapshot of the game — we were up 24-23 with five minutes to play — and say that represents the whole game. Just like you can’t hive off one unit and say, “Well, we should have won yesterday because the defense played well (MOST of the game) and that means we SHOULD have won.” We should NOT have won, not because we didn’t expect to win, but because we didn’t play as well as the other team. I’m not saying that’s OK or that it’s an excuse. It’s a fact.
Like I say, there are games like the one yesterday between SF and Minnesota where you can legitimately argue that the team that lost should have won. But our two losses have not been those kinds of games.
There’s a difference between being irritated about a game we COULD have won – which has to do with missed opportunities, etc. And being mad about a game we SHOULD have won, which suggests that we outplayed the other team and that there was some sort of injustice in the result (like a terrible call, or a crazy bounce). We could have won against NE and NO. I don’t see how you can look at both games in their totality and argue we should have.
by Applsoss on Sep 28, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
im totally with you my friend.
on everything.
"In every adversity there lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. In every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time." (Robert Collier)
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 28, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, so actually it was just a misunderstanding. When I said that expectations were flawed, I meant in-game. Pre-game, pre-season, pre-anything expectations mean very little to me. When you expect things to even out when you’re up 24-13 with 5 minutes left – that’s where I have a problem.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly how I feel
Up 24-13 with 5 to play, a game should not be lost. I don’t care about what happened earlier in the game, losing an 11 point lead in the last few minutes of the game should never happen.
~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 28, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you on the NE game.
I remain convinced that somehow Drew Rosenhaus negotiated a playing time deal for Roscoe into the contract for TO.
by thefourwinds on Sep 28, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
1-2 is precisely where I thought we would be at this point in the season. This is such a young, inexperienced team that it is very vulnerable to collapsing at the end of tight games. That’s where inexperience hurts you — when the going gets tough.
I have been saying for some time now (like a broken record) that the real season begins next week at Miami. The Fish are a mediocre team much as we are (though we are more talented in the long run) and the Bills should be able to beat them. If they can do that and then come home and win against Cleveland, they will be 3-2. I’ll be very suprised to see them pull off a victory in the Meadowlands, but Carolina and Houston are both beatable. If so, they could be 5-3 at the bye week and ready to face the second half of the season with a lot more experience under their belts than they had going into the MNF game in New England.
One factor about yesterday’s loss that no one seems to have been picking up on. Geoff Hangartner almost didn’t play due to a sore back, and apparently he re-injured it very early going against Sedrick Ellis. He was replaced at Center in the fourth quarter by Eric Woods (that’s the reason for all those low snaps). So in the last third of the game the o-line was Chambers – Levitre – Woods – McKinney – Scott. No wonder Trent was running for his life and couldn’t get the job done. I think this shows that Hangartner is the vital glue that holds this line together. Without him we are in deep trouble.
by Macktruck on Sep 28, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kelly - Johnson - Lossman - Where does Trent fit in?
“Trent Edwards – who was terrible” — I think everyone will agree with that statement. Three games in and there still seems to be unanswered questions about our QB. Can he go deep consistantly? Can he run the no-huddle? Can he win?
13 catches for 186 yds in 3 games by Evans and Owens….. Regardless of double coverage you have to find a way to get these two involved. When there is single coverage like Owens had twice on Sunday, you have to make the most of it and hit your man deep.
Mark Sanchez, Joe Flacco are both 3-0 this year. These 2 young QB’s are fearless and inspiring. Sanchez’s numbers are similar to Edwards, but he is a leader on the field. I don’t feel the same confidence in Trent.
I am not trying to say it is time to get rid of the kid, but somewhere a clock is starting to tic on this QB.
by Northern Bills on Sep 28, 2009 7:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Audibles
I don’t know how many times I was sitting there looking at the linebackers blitzing and the corner 10 yds+ off Owens yelling for a quick slant. Not the long, take my time until TO is in coverage slant like the INT, but the 1 step quick throw that gains 6-9 yrds that our opponents always seem to throw against us. I didn’t see us throw that one once.
by can on Sep 28, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I did. It was tipped and picked off by Will Smith.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was way too slow in getting out. If Trent hits him within 5 yds of the LOS, it’s good. Instead he waited until he was into the CB coverage
by can on Sep 28, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Either way, the play was called and the pass was thrown. It didn’t work.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it didn’t work because it was executed poorly.
by quantumuprising on Sep 28, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeppers.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He doesn't need to go deep consistently
He needs to be able to hit intermediate passes. That opens up the deep ball as much as anything, and definitely helps open up the run game and underneath passes.
You are so right that Edwards doesn’t inspire any confidence out there. He doesn’t seem to have any in himself with the way he plays, at least it seems that way. He just doesn’t look like a leader to me. He looks and plays scared and tentative out there at times.
~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 28, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I totally agree with your frustrations, Brian, as they’re certainly understandable considering how we for the most part of the game kept the best offense in the NFL in check, which very, very few teams in this league will be able to. However, Trent, the abysmal pass-protecting O-line and AVP screwed us.
Trent; by his inaccuracy and inability to get the ball down the seam.
The O-line; by its pathetic pass-blocking on third down, which certainly didn’t help Trent and the offense.
AVP; by his pathetic game-plan (which I wouldn’t label a game-plan, as they simply didn’t execute anything at all) and lack of ability to adjust to Greg Williams’ blitz-happy defense.
I love this team to death (if it kills me), and I will always – opportunistically-natured as I am – believe that we’ll bounce back next week, in our case against a very frustrated Dolphins-team that will be missing their heart and soul, Chad Pennington. Having Marshawn and Shawn Nelson back will help us tremendously on offense and the fact that Joey Porter is likely out for the Phins helps us as well.
This being said, offensively everything needs to change, though, if we’re to beat anybody.
by BillsfanfromDenmark on Sep 28, 2009 8:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Disheartened
Thats the feeling I have today. I’m absolutely dumbfounded as to why this team can’t find ways to get the football to their 2 gamechangers on offense. Steve Smith in Carolina has absolutely no help at receiver and they continually find ways to get him the ball. Evans and Owens should get 10 targets apiece, every week.
by NickinRoc on Sep 28, 2009 8:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good call on the smith comparison
by Cammando2317 on Sep 28, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WE'RE GOOD.......
At WR
At RB
Enough at the Line
But, could be better at TE – Shouman loss does hurt
At D-line
At LB – but Ellison is still a liability
At DB
At S
At Punting
At Kicking
At ST’s
NOT GOOD AT QB – that’s, in my mind, all there is too it. We’ve talked about this ad-nauseum this offseason. Trent hasn’t given this team a chance in games like this, well ever. Will he be good? I don’t know – but to me it looks like i’m staring our future backup QB in the face. I hope i’m wrong about that last point – but make no mistake – Trent lost us this game folks – rewatch the game and tell me how many times you see receivers open.
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying
Kawika = TORNADO OF SOULS
by J2 on Sep 28, 2009 8:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
NOT GOOD at COACHING
I would add that to your list. Off cord & Head Coach are not getting the job done. AVP must find a way to make it work with this unit.
It all starts and stops with the Head Coach. ANY emotion from Jaroun on the sidelines would be nice!
by Northern Bills on Sep 28, 2009 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee give the emotion crap a rest. A lack of emotion didn’t lose us this football game. Not making plays offensively did.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Emotion
I’ll defer to the second half to respond.
by Northern Bills on Sep 28, 2009 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
AVP?
Do you remember game 1 and 2 of the season? Our offense was clicking and everyone was singing Van Pelt’s praises.
AVP is not doing a poor job overall. He has opportunity left to increase the usage of TO and Evans, but he designed game plans that helped us win (wk 2) and almost win (wk 1). This game was on Trent more than AVP.
I’m not defending Jauron here. I don’t know what he does on the sidelines each week, but its not motivation.
The Eternal Pessimist...
by shrubz on Sep 28, 2009 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do have to disagree with the "not good at coaching"
Go rewatch the game – you tell me how many opportunities Trent wasted. That’s not on the coaches – players were open – the offense didn’t move because Trent stunk – plain and simple.
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying
Kawika = TORNADO OF SOULS
by J2 on Sep 28, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
AVP needs to be given a bit more of an opportunity before he’s billed as “not getting it done.” He was thrown into the position 8 days before week 1. He had the offense playing well enough to be incontention for 2-0 and made Fred Jackson the talk of the NFL.
I see tons of room for improvement out of AVP, and that works for me.
I’m as sick as anyone watching this team play like they sleep through film study and practices. I can only imagine how Ralph Wilson has felt for the last decade, shelling out big bucks for this overall body of work.
Twitter: helping to make anti-social people anti-socially social.
by TheAfghanTwilight on Sep 28, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
did you really say that...
we are good a special teams. Special teams has been horrible this year, especially yesterday. If we are not fumbling the ball away we are committing penalties backing our drive start up even further. We used to be good there, but not yet this year.
by cobillsfan on Sep 28, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
good enough to win – yes. they didnt’ cost us the game – actually they were +4 with the fumble.
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying
Kawika = TORNADO OF SOULS
by J2 on Sep 28, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know Trent was a disappointment – still unsure if he is a legit winner – but the O-line was terrible. Hang should be embarrassed by his poor snaps. Trent spent way too much effort controlling snaps at his ankles. No flow. Trent was constantly harassed and when he had time he misfired or checked down.
T.O. is reaching a critical mass of frustration too. Evans post game comments suggest he is disheartened with lack of throws his way too. Why aren’t we throwing to these guys more? Teams can’t double team them both. Yesterdays loss left me disgusted with the Offense.
by GKID on Sep 28, 2009 8:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Recurring themes
1. Jauron quit on the team when he chose to punt with 7 minutes left. And after that, the team quit on him.
2. New Orleans strategy in the second half is one that others have used successfully against the Bills throughout the 2000’s. Run left, run left, and run left some more. That’s how the Saints got away from being pinned at the goal line, how Thomas scored his touchdowns (actually his second occurred when he cut back after starting left). Schobel is a superb pass rusher, but has always been a major liability against the run. I wish the Bills had the depth to use him as a pass rush specialist.
by Rick A on Sep 28, 2009 8:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The problem I see
is that NO ONE is making adjustments. Not the coaching staff, and not the players. Williams blitzed us all day, and AVP never made the adjustment to attack against the blitz. Jauron didn’t adapt to the game and take some chances like he should have. Edwards never adapted to his hot reads or to the coverage. Freakin mckelvin still doesn’t realize that he gets burned on the same move EVERY TIME. Maybin has one move: Run really fast to the outside, and be worthless for the rest of the play.
by quantumuprising on Sep 28, 2009 8:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh and the offensive line looked like we all hoped it wouldn’t when the season began. We’ll obviously wait for Ron’s analysis, but they looked absolutely terrible yesterday. Wood takes 3 or 4 penalties, and hangartner looks like he’s never snapped a ball in his life in the 4th quarter.
by quantumuprising on Sep 28, 2009 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Something about Hangartner, I wonder if he’s injured, he grounded almost all the snaps in the fourth quarter. His Q4 play wasn’t the same quality I’d seen earlier this year.
At least give Edwards credit for fielding them.
by Rick A on Sep 28, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That wasn’t Hang in there during the fourth period — it was Woods making those bad snaps. See my comment above.
It’s interesting that Seth McKinney was supposed to be the second-string Center, but when the rubber hit the road they did not have confidence in him and used Woods instead. A line is as strong as its weakest link, and based on what I saw during the preseason McKinney is very very weak. That was why I was calling on them to move Butler back to RG and Langston Walker back to RT, with Levitre as the first back-up on the interior line (my assumption was that Levitre would have seen almost as much action due to injuries as he is going to see as a starter). If they had done that and we had the same injuries that we now have the line-up would have been Scott – Chambers – Wood – Levitre – Walker. That would have been a lot better than the o-line of Chambers – Levitre – Wood – McKinney – Scott we are likely to have going into Miami.
by Macktruck on Sep 28, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hangartner missed or was limited in practice all week
I believe it was a back injury
~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 28, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, and apparently he re-injured it early in yesterday’s game. As I commented above we now know that he is the key to the o-line playing well — which is to say that he is the key to the offense playing well.
by Macktruck on Sep 28, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let’s see… NO made our defense look silly on the opening drive. They scored 3 points in the next 45 minutes.
That’s not an adjustment?
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I coudln’t be happier with the way the D played until the 4th quarter. I thnik that was more of them being in the field too long and the offense not giving them anything to get excited about.
Defense didn’t lose us this game – neither did coaching. I was actually pretty impressed with our D this game
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying
Kawika = TORNADO OF SOULS
by J2 on Sep 28, 2009 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Time of possession was remarkably even, actually. The D shouldn’t get a pass for the late break-down. No, they didn’t get any help from the O or ST, but they chose a bad time to stop their excellent play.
It’s a team loss. You can’t have run game breakdowns late in the game. But if there’s one unit with far less blame for the loss than any other, it’s clearly the defense.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Linebackers were terrible
Mitchell needs Poz… Buggs was lost the entire game when out there. Ellison makes a lot of tackles 5-7 yards down field or in pass coverage after Shockey or whatever TE burns him again… Poz can’t get healthy soon enough. Would like to see Nic Harris get a shot with the starters.
by dabillsr1 on Sep 28, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nic Harris can’t stop taking bad penalties on special teams, and you want to see him on defense? I’ll pass, thanks.
Yeah, we need Poz back. Was glad to see he was cast-less on the sidelines yesterday, as I mentioned in the post.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that Sp Teams penalties are a problem as a whole
That does hurt and puts our offense in a hole just about every drive. Harris is part of that problem. Wendling is about our only standout on ST. He was very good yesterday and has made some big tackles.
by dabillsr1 on Sep 28, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t mention the D, did i?
by quantumuprising on Sep 28, 2009 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mean, i mentioned mckelvin and maybin, but maybin didn’t play all that much and neither did mckelvin…and the play i was talking about leo getting burned on was on the first drive. and you can’t refute that the offense didn’t make any adjustments. corner blitz after corner blitz made us look ridiculous.
by quantumuprising on Sep 28, 2009 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nope, but you also said “NO ONE is making adjustments.”
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brian wrote about balance being a strength of our offense. Well IMO this is what a loss looks like when that balance is thrown way off. Give g-g-gregg’s D and his frosted hair some credit in shutting down Trent and the O.
And balance may be a strength but it isn’t an identity. So what is the identity of this team’s offense?
BEAST MODE: let’s not forget that our premier running back has been out these 3 games. Yes Jackson has proven he’s legit but think about what this offense might do with both Lynch and Jackson in the game. Being able to fall back on 2 running backs could spell the difference in game like this when Trent is shut down. Thats what New Orleans did to us. Pierre who?!?
And do you think Lynch is going to allow TO to sulk on the sidelines? This team needs a moral boost right now and its name is Marshawn. I can’t wait for the Miami game! GO BILLS!
by Zumone on Sep 28, 2009 9:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This was a disapointment
but i think they are better than expected
Good QB play could really turn this team around
It is early but we really need to think about how we address this position next year
"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-
by billsoferie on Sep 28, 2009 9:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Way to go Brian
We finally get to see the enraged, frustrated Bills fan in Brian come out. Way to finally express your emotions!
There is a big gap between a team knowing how to win and knowing how to lose and I don’t know how its crossed. I’ve heard everything from the emotion level of the coach to the confidence of the QB to the talent level of the players. It’s an intangible that we can never put our finger on, but its very frustrating. This is a very talented team of players, it would be nice to see that all come together just once to beat a team with a winning record. That day will be a big change for the Bills.
by south123 on Sep 28, 2009 9:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What bothered me most
……..was HOW we lost and the fact that game looked like a duplicate of the ugly losses we saw last year – defense plays its ass off and offense is anemic. I was hoping we were through with that nonsense, that our offense had come to life with a more mature and confident quarterback and – finally – much better play calling. However, yesterday looked exactly like a year ago.
Listen, I don’t expect to have a winning record with a brand-new offensive line. The OL is going to take some time to develop, especially when the leader of the young group (Butler) goes down with a serious injury. Ask any head coach – you usually win or lose football game on the line: offense and defense.
Granted New Orleans is far better than Tampa, but still – when your defense plays so well that you’re still very much in the ballgame in the second half, and you have home field advantage, you have high hopes to win no matter who the opponent. Upsets happen every week in the NFL. Buffalo nees to learn how to FINISH. Anyone notice how many times we just plain suck in the last five minutes?
A couple concerns about Trent. Brian mentioned his inconsistent passing. That’s true, but what concrns me most is his apparent inability to "see the field." One example is a time when the N.O. cornerback blitzed and sacked him. It didn’t come from the blind side – the guy was right in front of him the whole time but Edwards never moved. It was like he never saw him. Man, you have to have better field vision that that. No wonder he has trouble finding open receivers.
In fairness to Edwards, it’s harder to take a decent look when you’re spending an extra second picking up ground balls hiked to you by your inept center. I was glad to see TE bawl out the guy, too, but it didn’t seem to help. He doesn’t seem to be a guy who inspires other teammates, either. I watched some of the Jets game and Mark Sanchez is NOT the second-coming of Joe Namath talent-wise, but he has fantastic leadership qualities and he seems to make quick reads.
As for T.O., I’m sorry, but I’ve never been too excited over getting him. To me, it was strictly a business coup – a guy who was going to sell tickets and merchandise. Hell, he’s already paid for himself….but what influence is he having on this young team? Can he help these young guys learn how to win? I’’m not sure.
by ccthemovieman on Sep 28, 2009 9:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
team characterter
I think it’s pretty evident that the high echelon team grasp on to the character of their coaches and form a specific identity. From Cowher’s mean physicality to Rex Ryan’s “punch them in the mouth football. But what is the Bills identity? A cerebral team that refused to take chances? Play it safe? After a tad less than a quarter of the season. This team is shaping an identity of a team that has the talent to hang with the big boys but can’t close. From playing team sports for most of my life I realize the importance of teams that ’know how to close” and bring it home at the end. I like Jauron, he seems like a nice guy. But you don’t win in this leauge with nice polite coaches. The game plans heading into games are usually pretty damn good, but their maddening inability for in-game adjustment makes all of us want to rip our hair out. It looks to me that the talent is here. The direction and collective mentality is another thing…
by Jay Mayne on Sep 28, 2009 9:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Saint's motto this year is 'Finish'.
To use a baseball example, would you rather strike out swinging or looking? If Edwards is going to take this team where it wants to go, he needs to start swinging. When he does, he’ll strike out some, but also hit a few homers. Is he sensitive to criticism? Is that why they call him ‘Trentative’? C’mon Trent! **** what the fans say and just start taking some shots. You’re going to be criticized either way, so what do you have to lose?
If we could just sythesize life in a laboratory, we could prove that the creation of life requires no intelligence.
by Tigernut on Sep 28, 2009 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Bills don’t have an identity, and haven’t for years.
~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 28, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not true.
Bills identity = Balanced Mediocrity
by Zumone on Sep 28, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's not an identity
That’s the result of not having one!!!
~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 28, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But you don’t win in this leauge with nice polite coaches.
Tell that to Tony Dungy. The nicest, politest coach you’ve ever seen.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Ignoring the grumblings on Rumblings.
by MattRichWarren on Sep 28, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is almost always an exception to the rule
Do you think Jauron is the exception to the rule or the overwhelming majority that helped to create it?
Poor ball security leads to very painful outcomes
by Joe P. on Sep 28, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Neither. I don’t think being polite or nice has anything to do with wins and losses. If it did there would be a lot of successful coaches who yelled their teams to victory.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Ignoring the grumblings on Rumblings.
by MattRichWarren on Sep 28, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it did there would be a lot of successful coaches who yelled their teams to victory.
Vince Lombardi, Jimmy Johnson, John Gruden, Bill Cowher, Tom Coughlin, etc……
Poor ball security leads to very painful outcomes
by Joe P. on Sep 28, 2009 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My point wasn’t that there haven’t been successful yellers. My point was that there have been an astrononically higher number of non-successful yellers than successful ones. It doesn’t guarantee the team will play with talent or passion or anything else.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Ignoring the grumblings on Rumblings.
by MattRichWarren on Sep 29, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tell that to Tony Dungy
absolutely is – but hey’s got Peyton – that’s a HUGE advantage
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying
Trent Edwards - Backup QB until furthur notice. Care to prove me wrong Trent?
by J2 on Sep 28, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No kidding. He did all right for himself in Tampa, too.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Ignoring the grumblings on Rumblings.
by MattRichWarren on Sep 28, 2009 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some could argue...
…. that the Giants did not win their Superbowl UNTIL Tom Coughlin changed his attitude, became nicer, and started talking to his players instead of shouting at them.
If we could just sythesize life in a laboratory, we could prove that the creation of life requires no intelligence.
by Tigernut on Sep 29, 2009 1:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A tale of two quarterbacks
Both teams were putting massive pressure on the other team’s QB. You only have to watch how each responded to that pressure to really see the difference in this game. Honestly, I was shocked at how well the Bills’ defensive scheme worked against our superstar QB and the Saints offense. You can bet that every team they play from here on out will use this game tape as a primer for what to do when playing New Orleans. Edwards reminded me a lot of Joey Harrington, who was cut by our team in the preseason because, despite his talent a skills, when pressured, Joey looked like the proverbial ‘deer in the headlights’. Trent needs some way to find confidence in himself and his players. Any player that cares more about preventing mistakes than winning will ultimately fail at both. Brees is confindent and unafraid, yet doesn’t take desperate risks, even when the game is close or when playing from behind. I don’t know if its a part of a player’s natural personality or an acquired skill, but whatever it is, Trent needs to find it in himself.
Great game, guys. Your team is far better than your record shows, that much is obvious. Good luck the rest of the season.
If we could just sythesize life in a laboratory, we could prove that the creation of life requires no intelligence.
by Tigernut on Sep 28, 2009 9:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I stuck with JP way too long and I promised myself i wouldn’t make the same mistake with Trance, and I won"t. Good QBs take SOME chances and give their guys a chance to make plays, Trance simply won’t. Have we EVER seen him scramble out of the pocket and hit someone 30 yards down the field in stride in all these games he has started? I can’t even remember him throwing a quick slant that didn’t cause the receiver to stop dead to catch the ball. 13 catches through 3 games for 186 yards for two excellent wideouts is a total embarrassment to everyone concerned. That is 1 good game for T.O. a couple times a year. This has nothing to do with coaching and every thing to do with a shell shocked QB that is not getting any better. What we saw yesterday was EXACTLY what we saw in his 5 or 6 worst games of late last season, pathetic football. Trance has to go! Mitchell is worthless also.
by bflobob8 on Sep 28, 2009 9:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
uuhhhhh ok...
the problem, as I see it, was that Buffalo won early last season and regressed tremendously. This season the team has played well early, and at least through two games, it seemed like Jauron and company had taken steps to change things significantly. There was a new no-huddle, T.O., and Fred Jackson went off. Great. However, I couldn’t help but notice how terribly yesterday felt like watching a game last season. There was no halftime adjustment. Players, again, like in every game, got injured. There was no pass rush in the fourth quarter. Again, Edwards was awful against a one-week prepared 3-4 defensive front. There was no risk taking beside a fake punt. They go for it on fourth and two last against Tampa, yet punt when down two scores with seven left in the fourth against N.O.
I seriously question Jauron’s in-game adjustments. If he watched film all week, wouldn’t you think he knew New Orleans did the exact same thing to Philadelphia last week? Close at half, goes for the kill in the second half. Wouldn’t Jauron at least try something different?
I’m really not sure how to chalk up blame on this one. Sure, the O-line had penalties, but come on. If that’s how the Bills are going to play in the fourth quarter when playing from behind, then it’s going to be a longer season than even Bills fans thought.
by Kooz on Sep 28, 2009 9:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Very Well Stated
Good column.
The annoying thing about the game is that after well-played first half, the bills looked absolutely pathetic down the stretch.
Is it a matter of failing to adjust? I thinks that’s obvious.
It is past the point of frustration with Jauron – it’s like when I play Madden with my 10 year old daughter and no matter what the score or game situation, she always calls the smae plays.
She has an excuse, Jauron does not.
by Pruitt on Sep 28, 2009 10:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Florance looked good..
"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-
by billsoferie on Sep 28, 2009 10:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Brian is finally starting to show some "STRONG" emotions for what most of us...
Have been saying and frustrated about for a LONG LONG time with this team. I think it all does have to stem with Jauron on this one. While our O-Line is weak… our LB Corp is Horrible!! Our TE’s (hence most are hurt) can’t catch or break tackles… and we have absolutely NO CONFIDENCE in winning football against winning football teams. I have to blame the coach for lack of mental focus and preparation and showing what it takes to win with pride.
Good to see that Brian is turning a “new leaf”….
by dabillsr1 on Sep 28, 2009 10:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think I’m turning a new leaf. I’ve always considered myself pretty pointed, particularly about Jauron. Blaming him for this loss is absurd, and stems from a strange need this fan base holds to blame ONE person or ONE entity. Lack of preparation? The D was prepared, wasn’t it? Why does he get no credit there? He wasn’t perfect, but coaches don’t lose football games, I’m sorry.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree with you there...
I do think coaches lose and win games, with there game planning, creativity, motivation, and game management with the clock, challenges with replays, etc. Sure they don’t pass, run, tackle and kick… but in my opinion when your a losing coach for as long as he has been here… my guess is that it we are heading for exactly where we were the past 3 years. 7-9.
by dabillsr1 on Sep 28, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most other people used the previous postgame thread to vent
Everybody has to vent. Just give this loss some time over the course of the week. By Thursday everyone will be psyched up for the Dolphins game.
Mmmph rrgh prrmf! - someone with his mouth gagged
by Dyl on Sep 28, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did you guys notice in the post game interviews...
AVP admitted to not taking care of business and how he needs to make some changed, and Jauron just looked like he was satisfied with how the guys played….admitting there is a problem is the first step to getting better…AVP did…Jauron is in denial.
by Jaynice on Sep 28, 2009 10:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So because he wasn’t angry while talking to the media he’s not pissed? Belichek looks that way after a loss, too. Nobody gives a rat’s behind, though. His comments and demeanor in the locker room are all I care about because he’s always going to smokescreen the media.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Ignoring the grumblings on Rumblings.
by MattRichWarren on Sep 28, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blueprint and Insanity
It is abuntantly cleat that the easiest way to shut down Trent and therefore the Bills’ offense is to blitz. Inability to make the reads and/or adjustments has been apparent from the beginning of his career. Let’s face it; he is no better at it now than he was as a rookie. Over 3 offensive coordinators the result has been the same: he just can’t handle pressure. At this point for us to expect a different result is insane. The dolphins will blitz with confident abandon next week and Trent will disintegrate and the offense along with him.
by jpheff on Sep 28, 2009 10:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
actually Trent’s pretty good against the blitz
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying
Kawika = TORNADO OF SOULS
by J2 on Sep 28, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so you didn’t watch yesterday, then?
by quantumuprising on Sep 28, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol – i’m going to refrain from getting into this conversation
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying
Trent Edwards - Backup QB until furthur notice. Care to prove me wrong Trent?
by J2 on Sep 28, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, “yesterday” and “in general” are two incredibly different entities. Take that into consideration.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right. If yesterday hadn’t happened, i’d say you’re right; in the first two games, he had looked markedly better against the blitz.
yesterday he looked like the captain of the chess team at a victoria’s secret party.
by quantumuprising on Sep 28, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yesterday he looked like the captain of the chess team at a victoria’s secret party.
… wha
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that was my way of saying incredibly, debilitatingly uncomfortable
by quantumuprising on Sep 28, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah. I had visions of Anthony Michael Hall from Sixteen Candles, and thought you meant Trent was an outwardly-confident, inwardly-insecure freshman nerd with strange taste in women.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i guess i should’ve just gone with the obligatory whore in church reference.
by quantumuprising on Sep 29, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same old story
Defense played well as long as they could.
Offense never established the run.
Juron did not coach to win.
Bills lose.
by Pietro Sirianni on Sep 28, 2009 10:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
obviously
the next 5 games before the bye are crucial. But looking at the schedule its very possible to go 4-1 during this part. Thats 5-3 at the bye with very winnable games after that. We’re not in that bad of shape guys. 1-2 isnt 2-1 or 3-0 but its a long season with not that tough of a schedule before the last 3 weeks.
by bflo on Sep 28, 2009 10:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
T.O. are you there?if any coach needs to get yelled at, it’s yours. Wake that man up! He has the smarts, Where’s the passion!?
"This is what happens Larry!, This is what happens! "-Walter Sobchak
by BigEasyBillsKrewe on Sep 28, 2009 10:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WHEN IS T.O gonna stop being 'IT's ALL ABOUT ME' and LEAD???
by Jaynice on Sep 28, 2009 11:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I suppose when they start winning – because just like with coaches, that’s the only time when a man is a “true leader” in the eyes of the fan base.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Edwards....
I’ve never had much confidence in him and don’t view him as a long term solution, but it really is frustrating watching a guy play tentative football without much confidence. He really doesn’t inspire much leadership or confidence out on the field. He looks dejected after incompletions and surprised by good plays.
I really wish I could see more of the field when watching the games because there’s no way we don’t have receivers open down the field. Evans and TO aren’t being doubled on every play, especially when the D is bringing 5, 6, 7 rushers. There is really no good reason for not getting them the ball more. The double team excuse is just that, an excuse. Players like Steve Smith, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, etc are double a lot, and their QB’s can still find ways to get them the ball. I think it boils down to Trent not showing the willingness to throw the intermediate pass. Yes, he’ll throw a deep ball down the sidelines when that is the play called, but he won’t throw a pass down the seam or a 15 yard pass over the middle unless he’s almost forced to. You can’t keep throwing checkdowns and expecting the offense to excel. I can’t believe he threw a 1 yard pass to Fine on 3rd and 10 yesterday, but then again, it makes so much sense that he did.
~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 28, 2009 11:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I hate saying this K. I’m sure i’ll get bashed. But dudes a backup QB – he’s shown me nothing that makes me think he’s got what it takes to win a championship (isn’t that what this is about?) let alone playoff victories – heck even playoffs.
Trent Edwards – your on notice
I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying
by J2 on Sep 28, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think he has what it takes either. I want to believe in him, I really do, but he just shows so many signs that he can’t cut 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 Sep 28, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If that is true, we don't have a better option this season....If healthy, Trent is our QB for this season
Poor ball security leads to very painful outcomes
by Joe P. on Sep 28, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt about that
I just don’t think he’s the long-term solution….Maybe he’ll turn it around and prove me wrong….
~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 28, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m in complete agreement on this. Through 3 offensive coordinators he is the one constant and he just not have it. Yesterday was quitessential Trent. We have all seen it too many times before. He is timid, indecisive and risk averse.
by jpheff on Sep 28, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So you would be okay if he threw more intermediate passes......
until they start getting picked off……..then you guys would hound him for that.
He’s taking what the defense is giving him……trying to get the ball in the hands of people to make plays.
Either that or he gets hounded for holding on to the ball too long waiting for a guy to get open.
He cant win with some of you.
"In every adversity there lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. In every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time." (Robert Collier)
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 28, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
but that’s the problem…if you watch the coach’s tape, hes not taking what the defense gives him. he’s routinely missing 1up man on man coverage to the outside….not even for the deep throws, but just for the routes in general.
think about yesterday, when he looked horrible against the blitz. most of those were corner blitzes…you’re telling me there aren’t receivers on the outside that are open for hot routes/otherwise when corners/safeties are blitzing?
by quantumuprising on Sep 28, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont know.......
Im not able to look at film……or know what play has been called.
"In every adversity there lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. In every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time." (Robert Collier)
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 28, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
We won’t know until he tries.
He’s not getting the ball to our two best playmakers on offense. That is a problem.
You can take what the defense gives you for so long, at some point you have to give it to them. Checkdowns aren’t going to put too many points on the board.
Why can’t Trent get the ball downfield while any other decent QB in the league can?? Don’t give me it’s what the defense gives him, because if that was the case, why wouldn’t every D in the league shut down the opposing QB’s in that way??
He’s tentative to throw it more than 5 yards down the field. Haven’t we seen enough of him by now to realize that?
~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 28, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last week he threw the ball down field just fine
didnt hear any complaints then.
But because the team lost this week its back to harping on this again.
I understand the frustration of not getting TO and Evans involved……..
but sometimes, their are players on the defense which make it darn near impossible to get all the guys involved.
Jabari Greer has proven time and time again that he can match up with T.O.
Sure Trent made some bad throws yesterday, (including that pass to TO that should have been 6)
But EVERY QB makes that.
It seems to me that when a loss happens its back to the same ole argument with Trent.
"In every adversity there lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. In every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time." (Robert Collier)
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 28, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he throws the deep ball down the sidelines a few times a game. That’s fine, but it’s also the play call and his first option. How often do we see him throw one down the middle or deep when it’s not the first (and sometimes only) option?? You’ve got to be able to do more than throw it down the sidelines a few times a game.
But because the team lost this week its back to harping on this again.
We didn’t score an offensive TD. Don’t you think that this was part of the reason why? What did we always complain about last year? Same thing. Him not getting the ball down the field is definitely part of why the offense struggled.
but sometimes, their are players on the defense which make it darn near impossible to get all the guys involved.
Nearly every week? If our WR’s and QB can’t beat guys like Greer and Tracy Porter, we surely can’t beat guys like Revis….
Jabari Greer has proven time and time again that he can match up with T.O.
That was the second time they’ve faced each other…not really time and time again. TO was open yesterday, Trent just missed him on all of those. And that doesn’t even count the times that he didn’t go to TO if he was open, which I’m guessing probably happened a few times as well. This D was allowing a hair under 300 yards per game, so I find it hard to believe that their players are that much better than our receivers…
It seems to me that when a loss happens its back to the same ole argument with Trent.
Isn’t that because the issue is constantly the same thing?
The offense was stagnant for much of yesterday because we couldn’t move the chains and pick up chunks of yards. Trent is leader of this O, so it mostly falls on him to get the offense going.
~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 28, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The offense was stagnant for much of yesterday because we couldn’t move the chains and pick up chunks of yards. Trent is leader of this O, so it mostly falls on him to get the offense going.
When your offensive line gets first downs called back because of penalties no one…..not even Peyton Manning can keep drives going.
Look I know Trent and the offense played bad, there is NO denying that.
But I dont believe he is as bad as his performance yesterday might indicate.
My time and time again reference with Jabari is that he has covered TO on dozens and dozens of plays……Obviously he has some success against him.
"In every adversity there lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. In every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time." (Robert Collier)
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 28, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also I remeber atleast 3 10-15 yard passes to Josh Reed
which were called back because of penalties……..
I suppose thats Trents fault too?
"In every adversity there lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. In every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time." (Robert Collier)
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 28, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Injuries
I really want to believe they are just random, but there’s no way this team should be seeing so many mostly minor injuries all the time….I wish I knew what was going on here.
~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 28, 2009 11:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
the injurys are starting to get a little rediculous
by bflo on Sep 28, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think training camp is too soft, I really do. I’d love to see some stats on the toughest teams in the league (mentally and physically) and if they tackle in training camp and practice.
I think they go into the regular season a bit surprised at how violent the hits are.
Twitter: helping to make anti-social people anti-socially social.
by TheAfghanTwilight on Sep 28, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cleveland runs the most physically demanding training camp practices – or at least they did this year. Pittsburgh’s is pretty demanding as well. So is San Francisco’s now that Singletary is the coach.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 28, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cat-like reflexes. Oh and congrats on creaming me in fantasy this week!
Twitter: helping to make anti-social people anti-socially social.
by TheAfghanTwilight on Sep 28, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A broken finger, broken ankle, broken arms are one thing. You can train out most muscle injuries but unless they are telling players only to drink gatorade and no milk I have no idea how anybody can prevent bone injuries.
and Afghan, how can a tougher training camp make bones less brittle?
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Ignoring the grumblings on Rumblings.
by MattRichWarren on Sep 28, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pierre Thomas had 126 yds and 2 TD's after being treated for flu-like symptoms
Only the Buffalo Bills could make this guy look like Michael Jordan!
Who can make a play? I can make a play!
-T.O.
by Sluss88 on Sep 28, 2009 11:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t get to watch the game, except on espn game cast – and even that I couldn’t stomach. The D played extremely well I thought. But the offense has to put points on the board… It will be nice to have Marshawn back though…
The last three years with the Bills we knew two things we could count on, great special teams and low to almost no penalties – when and how did we lose those?
I was born in Buffalo, and NO, it's not a suburb of New York City
by Ghetts on Sep 28, 2009 11:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It will be nice to see Lynch back, but I don’t think he fixes what ails the team.
Twitter: helping to make anti-social people anti-socially social.
by TheAfghanTwilight on Sep 28, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Edwards Baffled by 3-4 defense
- I am not certain if the Bills deserved to win this game, although it might have been winnable if Owens was not overthrown for a possible T.D. What is wrong with an offensive scheme that has two Receiver’s making over $12 million and are non-existent. Where is Aaron Maybin and the Bills linebackers, Ellison and Buggs, did not have good games and are way too undersized.
- The defensive line and secondary played well though.
- As for Edwards, when is he going to take more chances downfield and try to stretch the field or throw the ball to Owens over the middle on a quick slant?
- Sadly, the Saints and Gregg Williams went with a 3-4, with zone blitzes, and as usual, Edwards was clueless. If he doesn’t learn to read a 3-4 soon, might be time to find a new QB.
by BuffaloWhiner on Sep 28, 2009 11:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The 3-4 defense wasn’t the problem. He made a lot of good reads. His passes were inaccurate. He had two clear shots to T.O. that were off.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Ignoring the grumblings on Rumblings.
by MattRichWarren on Sep 28, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Going forward
I feel we played two Super Bowl favorites toe to toe and both were ‘winnable’ games. Although we didn’t cross that threshold of coming out ahead as true playoff caliber teams find a way to do, those games bode well for our future. I am fairly optimistic we will be 5-3 come the bye week.
Our players do play with emotion, so I don’t think you can pin that on DJ. It’s a mentality crossover that needs to occur and it will at some point. This is still a ‘young’ team and a work in progress. I sincerely felt prior to the opening game we were still a year away from being a serious playoff contender.
We seem to be injury proned, but don’t know if it’s greater than other teams in the NFL. Either way, ‘we are who we are’ until that mental crossover occurs. I believe we will know by the bye week if it will happen this season or we wait again! until next year.
by StandingBillFan on Sep 28, 2009 12:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Food for thought...
Would it make sense to play Lynch in the first half and FJ the second half next week or vice versa?
I am not sure why NO seemed to split their RBs time by halves yesterday [Hamilton 1st half / Thomas 2nd half] but it has me pondering the upside [or downside] to this approach.
by StandingBillFan on Sep 28, 2009 12:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It was because pierre thomas had been sick with the flu. he hadn’t gotten a carry all year, i think, and their number 1 RB was down with injury
by quantumuprising on Sep 28, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Saints/Buffalo
Not to sound meaqn or in your face but…..
Buffalo’s offence was stopped by a Saints defence that is one of the NFL leaders in take aways and forced turn overs. Gregg Williams has harped on this since he arrived in New Orleans. Fact #2…Buffalo defence did a great job at slowing down Brees and the air attack but…the Saints coaches countered that by going to a very stout running game that simply depleted Buffalo’s defence in the second half. So , I think Peyton had a very good answer to the first half Buffalo defence..(except for that 90 plus yard march right off the top for a 6 pt score. Remember to that the Saints defence shut out the Buffalo offence and it was at Buffalo’s home park ADDING…I do think that Buffalo is one of the up-and-coming teams, ty football fan
by femadog on Sep 28, 2009 8:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
lol
PT is our #2 running back Bell is our #3 running back and #1 is REggie Bush….in pre season , PT @ Bush didn’t play at all and #4 Hamilton and #3 Bell was rotated and looks like to most people that those are our 2 # 1 backs…but they are not. In New Orleans we are so glad that we have 4 backs that can plat and seems like all are #1’s
WE are actuallyu glad somewhat that we had to leave the air game and see what our running could do , to see if it could carry threw and win a game without Brees and 6 air touch downs and 500 – 600 yards like the first 2 games..I hope this helps you ?
by femadog on Sep 28, 2009 8:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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