Bills Training Camp Battles: Wide Receiver
by Brian Galliford on Jul 22, 2010 8:35 AM EDT
in Buffalo Bills Training Camp
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PrintIt's pretty safe to say that Lee Evans will be starting at wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills this year. As the only returning Bills wide receiver that had 35 or more receiving yards during the 2009 season, that'd be a foregone conclusion even if Evans wasn't as good as he is.
The real question at wide receiver is which of the team's incredibly unproven players steps up and claims the starting role opposite Evans. Roscoe Parrish (3 receptions, 34 yards in 2009) is the most veteran of the group, but GM Buddy Nix and head coach Chan Gailey have publicly stated their preference for "big" receivers on the outside, which would seem to eliminate the 5'9", 178-pound Parrish from contention.
Three players - third-year pros James Hardy and Steve Johnson, as well as rookie fourth-round pick Marcus Easley - are considered the front-runners for the job. Hardy and Johnson, drafted in the second and seventh rounds, respectively, in 2008, each have two career touchdowns, with Johnson's 12 catches "trumping" Hardy's 10. Easley was the extreme definition of "late bloomer" at Connecticut, putting up 48 catches, 893 yards and 8 touchdowns as a senior after catching just five passes in his first three years of eligibility.
It seems unlikely at this point that a wide receiver will lead the team in receptions, let alone claim the top two spots. Still, one of these three young receivers is likely to get a long look opposite Evans, which does count for something.
Meet The Contenders
Hardy represents the most significant investment as a former second-round pick, but to this point, the 6'5", 220-pound Indiana product has been a disappointment. After catching a game-winning touchdown pass in just his second pro game in 2008, Hardy has been ineffective on the field, dealt with a serious knee injury off it, and hasn't yet risen back to the top of the young receiving corps as most hoped he would. Hardy's length should make him a red zone target regardless of whether or not he wins the starting job, but it would be considered another disappointment if he can't beat out Johnson or Easley for the starting job.
Johnson, meanwhile, seems to be the fan favorite, as he's a personable guy that has shown brighter glimpses in his very brief opportunities than his 2008 draft classmate. Where Johnson lacks in physical skills (speed, quickness), he makes up for it with a knack for getting open. He seems to have something of an "it" factor, which is why he was able to crack the final roster two years in a row as a seventh-round pick, despite rarely seeing the field. If there's one player of these three that is most likely to develop a rapport with Buffalo's quarterbacks, it's Johnson, as he has logged the most practice time with this organization by a considerable margin.
Easley ripped through the Big East last year as a complete unknown, and that production, plus his raw physical skills, were good enough to make him a fourth-round pick. "Raw," however, is the best word to describe Easley, as he barely played the position at UConn, and will need a lot of time to work on the finer points of the game in order to reach his full potential. Still, Easley made a few big plays during spring workouts, routinely beating defenders deep for long gainers - and with the inexperience of this group, it's not completely out of reach to claim that Easley has a legitimate chance of locking down a starting gig.
Who Gets The Gig?
I firmly believe that this job is Johnson's to lose. The only tangible reason I can offer for that opinion is the fact that Buffalo's quarterbacks will almost assuredly be most comfortable with him, simply because he's been on the field with them for longer than the other two candidates. Intangibly, Johnson feels like the guy who can contribute most on the field of play right out of the gate, and will have the easiest job of getting open on occasion.
But over the long haul, the opportunity is biggest for Easley - and if receivers coach Stan Hixon can bring him along quickly enough, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if the rookie leapfrogged Johnson by the end of the season. As for Hardy, I think he needs to worry about making the team before he tries to win a starting job; he's got the most to prove, by far, of these three receivers in 2010.
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Hello terrible offensive scheme!
Buffalo Rumblings Premiere League 2009 Champion
Song recommendation of the week: Minus the Bear - My Time
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 22, 2010 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions
two words......Captain Checkdown
In another brilliant marketing coup, Russ Brandon has made KoolAid the official drink of the Bills and will replace pop and beer at the concessions stands. Brandon explained the move saying,"Fans are not drinking enough of it on their own". Nix’s seemed unaffected by the negative fan reaction, "I don’t give two shakes of piss what they want to drink….It is the only way fans are going to leave happy cuz we ain’t going to be winning a whole lota games…..don’t tell season ticket holders I said that".
3 more words: Alex Van Pelt
Buffalo Rumblings Premiere League 2009 Champion
Song recommendation of the week: Minus the Bear - My Time
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 22, 2010 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't blame AVP
He never should have been put in that position. He had no time to install his offense in the pre-season, a weak QB, poor QB, and a poor Oline. Just one more shot in the dark taken by a desperate HC.
In another brilliant marketing coup, Russ Brandon has made KoolAid the official drink of the Bills and will replace pop and beer at the concessions stands. Brandon explained the move saying,"Fans are not drinking enough of it on their own". Nix’s seemed unaffected by the negative fan reaction, "I don’t give two shakes of piss what they want to drink….It is the only way fans are going to leave happy cuz we ain’t going to be winning a whole lota games…..don’t tell season ticket holders I said that".
True, blame is probably unwarranted, but we can only look at what the team had last season. The team had AVP calling the shots, and that should never have been the case.
Buffalo Rumblings Premiere League 2009 Champion
Song recommendation of the week: Minus the Bear - My Time
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 22, 2010 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Looking on someone’s career, I feel for AVP. That was an impossible situation for him, and yet its going to be a blemish on his resume for years. Aside from the limitations of the personnel he was working with, I wonder how tight that leash DJ had on him was. Schonert apparently got fired because he wanted to mix it up (I recall some comment about Pop Warner football on the way out)(not saying Schonert was great by any means) AVP should be able to overcome it by performing solidly going forward, but he’s basically back to square one, or less.
On the other hand, that was a tremendous opportunity, in theory. How could he turn it down?
by oompaloompa on Jul 22, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d imagine he (and anyone who might look at his body of work from last season) might take a mulligan. It’s not improbable to think he saw it as a no-lose situation in terms of responsibility. Jauron was the one who decided it was a good idea to surprise his staff and the league a week before the opener, with no real plan going foward.
Buffalo Rumblings Premiere League 2009 Champion
Song recommendation of the week: Minus the Bear - My Time
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 22, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
two more words
offensive line
The future ain't what it used to be - Yogi Berra
Voted for Scubba Steve
I would love to vote Hardy, with Johnson taking over the slot role, but the reps Hardy lost during OTAs has given Johnson the early advantage as the number #2 WR. If Hardy falters again and Easley has a strong rookie campaign, this could be Hardy’s last season as a Bill.
In another brilliant marketing coup, Russ Brandon has made KoolAid the official drink of the Bills and will replace pop and beer at the concessions stands. Brandon explained the move saying,"Fans are not drinking enough of it on their own". Nix’s seemed unaffected by the negative fan reaction, "I don’t give two shakes of piss what they want to drink….It is the only way fans are going to leave happy cuz we ain’t going to be winning a whole lota games…..don’t tell season ticket holders I said that".
Agreed Joe
I had a similar comment but hit the refresh button instead of spell check and lost it. I do that alot. One other thing I mentioned to go along with your comment. Steve can be spotted putting in extra time with the QB’s and Jugs machine at practice. Granted Hardy has been sidelined but not only has Johnson been more available he has utilized this opportunity as much as possible. Also, one of these guys maybe a Bill for the last time this year unless they both step forward.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
Good point....Carpe Diem!!!!!
I love Scuba Steve and hope to see him explode this season.
In another brilliant marketing coup, Russ Brandon has made KoolAid the official drink of the Bills and will replace pop and beer at the concessions stands. Brandon explained the move saying,"Fans are not drinking enough of it on their own". Nix’s seemed unaffected by the negative fan reaction, "I don’t give two shakes of piss what they want to drink….It is the only way fans are going to leave happy cuz we ain’t going to be winning a whole lota games…..don’t tell season ticket holders I said that".
Wait, did I miss something while I was on vacation? What’s wrong with Hardy now?! Is he still rehabbing from the same injury?
Buffalo Rumblings Premiere League 2009 Champion
Song recommendation of the week: Minus the Bear - My Time
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 22, 2010 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions
yes, same injury
In another brilliant marketing coup, Russ Brandon has made KoolAid the official drink of the Bills and will replace pop and beer at the concessions stands. Brandon explained the move saying,"Fans are not drinking enough of it on their own". Nix’s seemed unaffected by the negative fan reaction, "I don’t give two shakes of piss what they want to drink….It is the only way fans are going to leave happy cuz we ain’t going to be winning a whole lota games…..don’t tell season ticket holders I said that".
Good grief!
Buffalo Rumblings Premiere League 2009 Champion
Song recommendation of the week: Minus the Bear - My Time
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 22, 2010 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
i thought he was rehabbing from a hernia
Draft Eric Decker in the 3rd!!! Eric Decker > Jordan Shipley > Arrelious Benn
by NordicBillsfan on Jul 22, 2010 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Hardy...
Dam he just has to produce!! I’m hoping that he parallels Moulds career in that Moulds took off in his 3rd year. Very Wishful Thinking on my part…
The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad
-- Salvador Dali
To me it look like a leprechaun to me
To me our situation looks very similar to the Giants last year, with a couple of guys that have been in the league for a few years and a promising rookie filling out our depth. The big difference is we do have a (sort of) proven commodity in Evans. While the position is one of the bigger question marks, for the first time since Evans was a rookie we have young players to be excited about their potential.
by cjf4 on Jul 22, 2010 9:13 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
To me it look like a leprechaun to me
Yeah, that’s worthy of a rec.
Formerly of thatguy34 fame.
"And the best decision of my life proved to be the day I signed with the Buffalo Bills." - Jim Kelly
by Jon Harrington on Jul 22, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, i’m still trying to work through that one.
Buffalo Rumblings Premiere League 2009 Champion
Song recommendation of the week: Minus the Bear - My Time
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 22, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I used the Remix as my ringtone for like a year.
Formerly of thatguy34 fame.
"And the best decision of my life proved to be the day I signed with the Buffalo Bills." - Jim Kelly
by Jon Harrington on Jul 22, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
My GOD, that is amazing. How the hell did I miss that one?!
by Brian Galliford on Jul 22, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know, but the “artist’s rendering” is my favorite part.
Formerly of thatguy34 fame.
"And the best decision of my life proved to be the day I signed with the Buffalo Bills." - Jim Kelly
by Jon Harrington on Jul 22, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah...
when they said “here is an artist’s rendering”…I just started laughing…
haha, an “artist’s rendering”, sure, if that artist is my 6 yr old son…
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Jul 22, 2010 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow!
Waaay off topic, but that is now my second favorite news clip ever! Hilarious. First of course is Bubb Rubb…whoop WHOOOO!
by Malfimus on Jul 22, 2010 4:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
“Should be up making breakfast for somebody or somethin.”
Formerly of thatguy34 fame.
"And the best decision of my life proved to be the day I signed with the Buffalo Bills." - Jim Kelly
by Jon Harrington on Jul 22, 2010 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Takes a crackhead
To know a crackhead I suppose. I did LOL at that actually…and the sketch. But I still think Bubb takes it!
Oh and I think Steve Johnson wins the other WR starting role. Was that what the topic was?
by Malfimus on Jul 22, 2010 9:28 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You must like that photo
Second article you have used it on this week.
I am hoping Hardy emerges after training camp. With his size, he will be a tough guy to cover on the sidelines and hopefully the endzone…sounds like what was said about him after he was drafted. Year 3 – Time to fulfill that potential.
"Maybe winning isn’t everything for 2010"
Chad Jackson?
Surprised that he isn’t on the list?
But between all of them I would say that the percentage of snaps break down something like:
Johnson 25%
Hardy 20%
Easley 15%
Jackson 15%
Parrish (motioning to an outside receiver spot) 10%
Spiller (motioning) 10%
Nelson (motioning) 5%
i would think they find someone who is working the best and go the way
as opposed to sharing
"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-
Chad Jackson
Does anyone think this guy has a chance at #2? He seems to have had the most potential at one time than the rest of the receivers on the list, but has just not lived up to the hype yet. Anyone think he has a shot to finally prove himself this year?
I voted for Scuba Steve. I agree that the #2 spot is probably his job to lose, but think that the B-lo will use a lot of different receivers in a lot of different looks this year.
"Pressure is when you don't prepare, and I know I've prepared myself..."
-C.J. Spiller
My Guess and it is only a guess
Alot of the choice will come down to who can mentally grasp Gailey’s scheme the quickest. Assuming Jackson, Johnson and Hardy have been available to learn the last three years should provide an equal slate, the one that picks up and perfects the routes, terminology and scheme the quickest should get the nod. Don’t know a whole lot about Jackson, Hardy hasn’t been available on the field, Johnson has demonstrated an ability to make the tough catch from an imperfectly thrown ball at times. It will be an interesting battle.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
I’m intrigued by that guy – he killed it at the combine. But then he got cut from NE and Denver. Maybe there’s something to McDaniels seeing something in him and bringing him over to Denver. He may not be the sharpest tool and maybe can’t pick up the playbook.
Comments I’ve read floating around the net are that he doesn’t have heart. Somehow fits that he’s a UF product. Other comments – bad route runner and no discipline. Another guy who got by on natural talent and then doesn’t put in the work once faced with a challenge.
by oompaloompa on Jul 22, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Hardy
I feel Hardy will win the spot in preseason assuming he is fully recovered from his injury. He was the entire Indiana offense in college and has the most potential in the group to be dominate as oppose to merely adequate. He is the best physical compliment to Evans and Parrish. I expect S. Johnson to be the 4th WR and SPiller to be the 5th. I think Easley is a year away from any meaningful playing time. Rookie WR’s generally take time to grow into the position. I expect Chad Jackson to make the roster and be used over Easley as the primary backup if any of the guys get hurt.
Looking back at this analysis, i’m still a bit worried about his NFL career:
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/james-hardy?id=1024#tabs:tab-analysis
His lanky frame poses problems, as he struggles vs. the more physical cornerbacks to get off the line due to marginal upper-body strength in attempts to get a push off the jam…
Buffalo Rumblings Premiere League 2009 Champion
Song recommendation of the week: Minus the Bear - My Time
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 22, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
We can only hope T.O. helped him with this...
"Pressure is when you don't prepare, and I know I've prepared myself..."
-C.J. Spiller
A while back there was an article on Hardy, talking about how he learned from TO. I commented then, they are physically not the same type of receiver. Stats wise -
Hardy – 6’5" 220 lbs.
TO – 6’3" 224 lbs.
That’s a big difference in body type. Guys I would compare to TO are Andre Johnson and Calvin Johnson. Big, fast, powerful – these are the prototype WR. Their game is beating the tar out of DB’s who try to jam them at the line, and otherwise beating them in the field with size, speed and quickness.
If anyone, Hardy should be studying Randy Moss – that guy has a comparable body type – but that guy has natural speed and toughness that just can’t be learned.
I was surprised when someone in that other thread mentioned Hardy’s 40 time – he apparently does have speed, just I never thought he looked fast on the field. Maybe he needs some space to get up to speed. But with guys jamming at the line and his relative weakness, he’s never going to get up to speed in time to make a play with that speed.
If Hardy is going to develop into a effective threat, its going to be because he finds a way to position himself and then get the jump balls.
by oompaloompa on Jul 22, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
he doesn’t look fast because he’s a giant compared to other players at his position. he takes two steps for everyone else’s three.
I have to do a second part on my BUFFALO BILLS against the Miami phinis tuna whales stinky salmon fishy stonko
-abayarde, still a genius
check out my music! http://prophetikmusic.net
by the_prophet on Jul 22, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Same could be said about TO – that guy is something impressive to watch when he has his stride. The difference being, bump Hardy at the line and he’s thrown off his route. Bump TO (in his prime) at the line and get stiff armed out of the way and then beaten down field.
If Hardy learned anything, I hope it was TO’s commitment to physical conditioning and hard work.
Anyone read that column by MJD subbing in at MMQB? Has some interesting things to say about what makes a great NFL player.
by oompaloompa on Jul 22, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought he ran a 4.61 at the combine. I saw another site that had him at 6’7" and running a 4.41 40. Not sure that’s accurate.
Then I just googled Steve Johnson, was led to Wikipedia and found this:
Pre-draft measureables
Ht: 6’2"
Wt: 210 lb
40-yard dash: 4.28
Vert: 32½ in.
Broad: 10′1″
All values from NFL Combine.
That has to be wrong, right? His 40 is as fast as Spiller’s!
Buffalo Rumblings Premiere League 2009 Champion
Song recommendation of the week: Minus the Bear - My Time
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 22, 2010 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Its hard to find good stats. A lot of sites that cover combine results get taken down after a few years. Understandable. Maybe I’ll have to start cutting and pasting those stats into Wikipedia pages to try and make sure they get preserved. (but who has time for that?) I always like to look back at them to read what they said about players after we get a chance to see how they perform.
A couple weeks ago I found a site that said Marshawn Lynch had a 42 on the Wonderlic. Hard to believe.
by oompaloompa on Jul 22, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
A 42? That’s unpossible!
Buffalo Rumblings Premiere League 2009 Champion
Song recommendation of the week: Minus the Bear - My Time
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 22, 2010 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
If i recall correctly, Johnson ran a 4.62.
which is why he slipped to the 7th.
by BuffaloChip on Jul 22, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
yes this has been my gripe with the small amount I have seen from James hardy. And that’s his ability to explode off of the line and quickly eat ip that defensive back’s cushion. I think if he can somehow improve or gain some explosiveness to the early portions of his routes then he will be much more a threat. He has skills to be dominant.
And if there’s one player that Hardy should be studying it’s Vincent Jackson without a doubt. Athletically they are so similar
by KC13 on Jul 22, 2010 10:48 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
There are exercises you can do to improve explosiveness and quickness – plyometrics – but those things – you really have to be committed to it. If you do it right, you’re puking your guts out after a few minutes.
by oompaloompa on Jul 22, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
But in the end, there is a ceiling on how quick and powerful you can get. That’s genetics.
by oompaloompa on Jul 22, 2010 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
i played ultimate frisbee for six years through undergrad and grad school, and did plyometrics religiously for that entire time. i’m not too tall (5’10"), but i bulked up from 140lb to 185lb, and improved my 40m time from 5.25 to 4.6ish in that amount of time. still don’t have much in the way of arm strength, but my core and legs are trucks.
plyometrics are GOLD.
I have to do a second part on my BUFFALO BILLS against the Miami phinis tuna whales stinky salmon fishy stonko
-abayarde, still a genius
check out my music! http://prophetikmusic.net
by the_prophet on Jul 22, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Frolf?
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Jul 22, 2010 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions
no, ultimate frisbee. mix of soccer and football, look it up on youtube or the ultimate players association’s website.
I have to do a second part on my BUFFALO BILLS against the Miami phinis tuna whales stinky salmon fishy stonko
-abayarde, still a genius
check out my music! http://prophetikmusic.net
by the_prophet on Jul 23, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
i’ll be honest – i’m expecting none of these guys to be among the top three pass-catchers on this team. the starting RB will be #2, and nelson or spiller will be #3. if any of these three guys cracks 30 receptions, i’ll be overjoyed.
I have to do a second part on my BUFFALO BILLS against the Miami phinis tuna whales stinky salmon fishy stonko
-abayarde, still a genius
check out my music! http://prophetikmusic.net
A pretty impressive group
I’ll go the other way. It seems to me that we have a very talented corps of young receivers and that Gailey will want to make use of that fact as the year progresses. At this point it seems to me that it is too early to tell how they will stack up against each other. Hardy did not have a great spring, but then again he was not 100% and may look a lot stronger in training camp now that his injury is presumably behind him. Johnson is definitely going to be a factor for the Bills this year, but he may be seeing much of his time in the slot (I have zero confidence in Roscoe taking over the role). Reports indicate that Chad Jackson has looked terrific in practice, but we will need to see how he does in actual games. And Easley is hard to predict in terms of how quickly he is going to develop. The one thing I feel confident about is that we are going to have a number of guys able to catch passes this year (including Spiller and Shawn Nelson); the big question is whether there will be a QB who can get them the ball and an o-line that can provide the necessary pass protection to make that possible.
A LITTLE HINT
Naaman Roosevelt, this guy is from Buffalo, lit it up in Buffalo, is loved in Buffalo and had an extremley good mini camp, Dont be one bit surprised if Naaman makes this team and by the end of the season is starting opposite LEE EVANS.
YEAH NAAMAN
by PaullyPforPrez on Jul 22, 2010 10:54 AM EDT reply actions
I won’t be surprised if he makes the team. I’ll be shocked and incredibly disappointed (for the team, not for him) if he’s starting.
by Brian Galliford on Jul 22, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Easley
I don’t think he will make a big impact this year, but I am excited to follow this guy’s development. He’s got the kind of underdog story I love.
Got an academic scholarship to UConn then was a walk-on. Didn’t do much until he got a chance to start when an injury opened up the spot for him. Then just performed.
Saw an interview of the guy and he sounded genuinely smart. Add to that that he’s got natural ability and a good work ethic – he very well could blossom into a good NFL receiver.
Mark my words...
I’ve been saying it since early last year, Steve Johnson will be our Slot receiver for the long haul.
This is a transition year at the receiver position.
Johnson has been logging time out wide and in the slot for a reason, the ultimate intention is to move him over to the slot when Easley is ready. I think Johnson starts week 1 out wide at WR2. I think Easley & Hardy will be active on an alternate basis this year and share reps out wide. When Hardy/Easley go in, Scuba-Steve slides over to the slot. When Scuba is out wide, Spiller or Parrish line up in the slot.
Ultimately
Backfield: Spiller & Lynch
3rd down back: Jackson
Slot: Johnson & Parrish
Outsides: Evans & Easley/Hardy
TE: Nelson / Matthews
All I know is that I feel very comfortable with this lineup and I think that we have a lot more talent than people give our team credit for. Our team will definitely be a power running team with a seriously upgraded set of players that can block:
1) Our inner line with Levitre/Hangman/Wood should be pretty dominant this year with a year behind their belts
2) Green is known more for is run blocking than his passpro skills
3) Callaway is another solid Guard especially in the run game
4) Matthews 6’ 4" 270lbs (TE) known for his solid blocking skills it’s not a surprise that we picked him up (ex GT player)
5) Steve Johnson 6’2" 202lbs (Slot) – this guy has impressed me since the first day I saw him because he plays the game hard and very physical
6) Easley 6’3" 210lbs (WR2) – they drafted this kid because not only can he run like the wind with great hands – he has great blocking abilities – he’s known as a safety mauler.
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
by keysh67 on Jul 22, 2010 11:32 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Rec'd Keysh67
Do you do Highlight video’s. Love your enthusiasm and actually I agree with everything, just not ready to cop out on Jackson yet.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
I am not coping out on Jackson - bien au contraire mon ami
I was listening to the NFL network yesterday and they were saying how great the Dallas backfield was with Marion the barbarion as the big bruiser and Felix Jones as the speedster and Choice as a great pass-catching 3rd down option. Then I’m thinking to myself:
We got the Beast
I prefer CJ to Felix – 100 times over
I prefer Fred over Choice as well. Fred is an amazing pass catching RB.
Fred is older but with very little mileage on him. If we are careful, we could actually have him finish his career in Buffalo. I love Fred Jackson and it is because I love the guy that I’d like to keep him healthy for as long as possible. He’s signed for the peak of his career so why not keep him as fresh as we can for as long as we can? I view him as our Kevin Faulk
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
+1
If it could all shake out like that, that would be ideal. Looking at a two to three year plan. Best case scenario.
Only thing with the backfield – Lynch is a free agent soon, next year maybe? and unless something happens to repair the relationship both ways, I don’t see him resigning with us.
Simply put
And I’ve said this in multiple posts, I truly believe that Chan Gailey will be the best thing to happen to Marshawn Lynch’s career. If we become the type of power running team that I believe we will, Lynch will earn back his spot at the dinner table. When the BEAST comes back with a vengeance very few will still be complaining about him. He is young and he’s made a lot of mistakes but deep down he seems to be a great teamate and a good locker room presence and a hard worker. Those qualities will win back the public opinion poll and as soon as he gets a few 100y games behind his belt, he’ll be back on top.
If he gets back into peoples good graces and he believes that buffalo’s new offensive system is well suited for his abilities he’ll want to extend his contract. And if he gets back to his pro-bowl form, he’ll earn the respect of OBD and get the extension that will keep him in Buffalo. JMO
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
why is lynch the primary back and not the 3rd down back?
I have to do a second part on my BUFFALO BILLS against the Miami phinis tuna whales stinky salmon fishy stonko
-abayarde, still a genius
check out my music! http://prophetikmusic.net
by the_prophet on Jul 22, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
keysh..
Uh what is it exactly that makes you think that Johnson is more suited for the slot role? IMO Johnson has been a versitile outside receiver who can play slot if need be. I just don’t understand why your writing him off as an outside threat.
by KC13 on Jul 22, 2010 4:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Dont mean to speak for Keysh...
but I may be able to answer your question.
Johnson is playing outside right now, simply because he is the next best WR on the team right now. The problem with Johnson is his lack of top-end speed (which does make him an ideal outside WR). The problem with the other Bills WRs is that they have not shown the ability to go over the middle and make the tough catches in traffic; Johnson hasn’t really either, but his skill-set leads one to think he may be successful there. He simply gets separation, he runs great routes and has a physical mindset to attack the ball with this hands. Easley was drafted to man the other outside position opposite Evans, so when he is ready Stevie will move inside to maximize his ability to get open (its also hard to get an effective jam on him).
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by NorCal BillsFan on Jul 22, 2010 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions
*which does not make him an ideal outside WR
which does make him an ideal outside WR
slightly changes my point if I left that out… : )
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Jul 22, 2010 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions
well said
I just think that he dowsn’t have the deep end speed. But he is very crafty at getting open and he is physical, very physical. He blocks very well and he can make the catch in traffic, an ideal Slot receiver and at 6’2" a great redzone target also.
I think Easley on the other hand has the top end speed to get behind everyone and also, he’s bigger, which makes him ideal at sealing the edge on outside runs.
BTW Norcal, I realize that he has not gotten many chances but I’ve seen him go over the middle in traffic several times in pre-season action as well as 1-2 times during games, so it’s more than just an assumption albeit a very small sampling.
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
IMO johnson hasn’t done anything on the team. he’s played less than one game total in terms of snaps. he’s not really proven anything at this point.
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by the_prophet on Jul 23, 2010 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Easley all the way
I was in the minority on the vote here, but given the team’s strategy of rebuild with draft talent, I think we’re gonna see Easley emerge as the leading receiver behind Evans….that of course, is assuming he can at least stay on parity with Johnson during camp and preseason. If it’s hard to choose a better performer between the two leading up to the Fins game, I think the scales will tip to the youth with a mountain of upside as they say.
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