Bills Training Camp: Risers And Fallers
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2010 9:03 AM EDT
in Buffalo Bills Training Camp
Email
PrintBelieve it or not, the Buffalo Bills are roughly two days away from wrapping up 2010 training camp festivities at St. John Fisher College. Four practices from now (three of which are publicly accessible), the Bills will pack their things and head back to Orchard Park to continue preparation for the regular season. A week from Tuesday, when that move happens, the Bills will perform their first roster cut-down of the season. Two days after that, they'll close their pre-season slate with a trip to Detroit. Two more days after that, they'll trim their roster to 53 players and turn their focus entirely to the Miami Dolphins.
With 23 camp practices (two more to come today) and two pre-season games out of the way, we've gotten a good idea of which players have impressed, and which players haven't, based on expectations entering camp. Three risers and three fallers coming right up.
RISER: WR Roscoe Parrish. No one was sure whether or not Parrish would get his punt returner job back, let alone get the shot at playing receiver that the previous coaching regime wouldn't afford him. That impression has changed, as not only does it appear Parrish will get the bulk of the punt return work, but he's cemented himself as the team's third receiver, as well. It would be unwise to predict big things from Parrish this year given the team's historical tendency to not be great offensively, but Parrish will finally get the opportunity to produce to his considerable level of talent.
FALLER: WR James Hardy. The 2008 second-round pick was supposed to challenge for a starting spot. Instead, he's been a bottom-feeder on the depth chart, and has also missed more than a week of practices, as well as both pre-season games, with a foot injury. On the field, he hasn't been bad, but he hasn't exactly stood out in any way, either. With younger players performing at higher levels and Hardy's inability to contribute as a specialist, the former Indiana star is looking like a likely cut.
RISER: SLB Chris Ellis. That '08 draft class hasn't been wholly disappointing, however, as Ellis, the team's third-round pick that year, appears to have finally found his niche at outside linebacker. He's gotten a ton of playing time in camp and in pre-season games, looks comfortable in his new role, and has drawn praise from head coach Chan Gailey for his progress. It still doesn't appear that he'll start entering the season, but Ellis could be a legitimate long-term starting option on the strong side for this team. Personally, his progress has by far been the biggest surprise to me.
FALLER: JLB Aaron Maybin. Most believed that the team's transition to the 3-4 defense would suit Maybin's skill set, and to a degree, that's true. Maybin, however, has yet to look wholly comfortable in his new role, and his game still lacks any sort of polish. The team is focusing on developing Maybin as a pass rusher, but given how little the coaches trust the other aspects of his game, Maybin still has the look of a specialist. They'll use him in 2010, but he'll still likely be a down lineman more often than not, and he's not ready to be the every-down defender the Bills need.
RISER: SS Donte Whitner. In a word, Whitner simply looks rejuvenated in this defense. In four years, his statistical contributions to the club have decreased every year, to the point where he was only a part-time starter in 2009. He has re-claimed his starting strong safety role with ease, has been the most physical presence in the back seven by a mile, and has been making plays and laying the lumber all throughout camp. Still only just 25 years old and with a newly defined role, Whitner looks poised not just to emerge as an upper-echelon safety in the NFL, but to become the emotional leader of this defense.
FALLER: CB Leodis McKelvin. Early in camp, McKelvin struggled mightily, getting burned during practice on several occasions, muffing punts and kicks with alarming frequency, and then by getting picked on in the pre-season opener against Washington. He has not been able to supplant Drayton Florence as the No. 2 corner, as many predicted he would. There have been recent signs of life, however; McKelvin looked very sharp at corner against Indianapolis, and returned kicks fairly well in that game, as well. If he maintains that momentum, he'll surpass Florence in short order. On the whole, however, McKelvin has been a mild disappointment - when reporters and fans question one's focus, there's a problem - but it's clear that he's still a big part of the team's plans for 2010.
Any names you'd like to add to either list, folks?
135 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Gone
Ryan Fitzpatrick will be on the trash heap in short order.
That's a bet....
I wouldn’t take just yet… We all fail to remember, Brown can go to the PS with little likelihood of someone snatching him…
Regardless, even if we only keep one of Brohm, and Fitz, it won’t be till the final cut down…
The draft dawns a new year for Buffalo Bills fans, so let optimism reign supreme!!! After all, we are now, UNDEFEATED!!!!
Ive heard that the Bills don’t wait to risk putting Brown on the practice squad because they dont want him to get signed away. They like him in the long term
interesting position. do they like him long-term enough to pass on a jake locker or andrew luck in the draft?
"AND THEY KNOW that I come stronger every time so to me all of that CRAP they talk of my BILLS WILL NOT BREAK ME , I HAVE THE HEART OF THE BUUFALO the strength of the OF THE MOUNTAIN , THE FURY OF THE THUNDER AND MY WILL IS UNBREAKABLE , I will not surrender to KNOW ONE" Abayarde, the man who puts the rUmBlE in rumblings.
by ausbillsfan on Aug 22, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
they had a 3rd round grade on him
depending on how they think he’s progressing, I would say yes to that
I may have scored a hundred points yesterday, but I scored a lot more off the court.
say its not so!!
Bird in the hand (Brown) beats two in the bush (Locker, Luck) Does not apply in this case.
(yesterday) Chan Gailey on whether there is a spot for both QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and QB Brian Brohm on the final roster: “Yeah, there is. You keep three [quarterbacks], and that’s two. So yeah, there is.”
"Ability without character will lose. The Bills are going to be a team of high character. That stamp I will push very hard. I hope we can convey that to our fans and project something very special to the rest of the nation." - Marv Levy
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Aug 22, 2010 9:15 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I loved that answer!!!!!
It said alot, without saying anything committal, and made the questioner look foolish….
The draft dawns a new year for Buffalo Bills fans, so let optimism reign supreme!!! After all, we are now, UNDEFEATED!!!!
Chan is awesome....
… with his answers to reporters. No BS.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft Owen Marecic in 2011" campaign.
Risers:
Chad Jackson and David Nelson
Jackson and Nelson have benefited the most from James Hardy’s absence and Jackson and Nelson may both stick on the roster after impressive outings in camp and the preseason games.
John McCargo
You talked about him last week but he has looked good this year too. I wouldn’t be surprised if he replaced Spencer Johnson on the roster.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Aug 22, 2010 9:06 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Agree completely with Chad Jackson and David Nelson. Both started out with relatively low expectations and have risen like rockets. Jackson is actually challenging Stevie Johnson right now for the #2 WR spot (in fact I suspect they will both get plays at that position) and Nelson, an undrafted rookie, is in the #4 spot and could easily go further up the ladder. Surely none of us would have predicted this back in May, and it is terrific news for the offense.
I’m not as sure as Matt is about McCargo, though. He has done well by comparison to his former self, but not to the point where one thinks of him as a stand-out. He could make the roster (which would be a major accomplishment), but it’s also possible that he doesn’t.
One other surprise might be Cordero Howard, who appears to have become the main interior o-line back-up guy as an undrafted rookie.
I’ve had no inclination that Steve Johnson’s job is in jeopardy.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Aug 22, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
The indication is that Jackson has been making some pretty remarkable catches, both in games and practices, and clearly has more speed than Johnson. He is also a vet, not a rookie, and has some experience in regular season NFL games. It will be a big surprise if he isn’t used in the #2 role along with Johnson once the season gets going. In a word, he is demonstrating that he is too much of a weapon not to use.
John McCargo
You talked about him last week but he has looked good this year too. I wouldn’t be surprised if he replaced Spencer Johnson on the roster.
Dang, Beat me to it.
I’d have to say Lankster has been a disappointment this pre season.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
Can you really call a 7th rounder who barely made the roster last year a “disappointment”? I know he had a couple picks, but that’s what I like to call a “small sample size”. That’s not saying he doesn’t have any potential or we shouldn’t have expectations for him, but it’s important to keep it reasonable.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
i kinda think you can but i agree with you too
he has showed so much promise and has had a lot of praise but just got torched in live games.
So i think you can say it has been a disappointment.
"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-
Can you really call a 7th rounder who barely made the roster last year a "disappointment"?
It’s more that he’s showing me less this pre-season, than he did last pre-season. Thus I personally am dissapointed.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
I definitely understand that impulse. Just keep telling yourself, “it’s just one preseason”. We did the same thing with Edwards in these last 2 games. He tanked in the Redskins game and he should be cut. He does well in the Colts game and he’s got hope. Lankster will get more opportunities. He’s young and I’m sure Gailey realizes that. If he sees potential in Lankster, Lankster will get a shot.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
by WhyBillsWhy on Aug 22, 2010 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions
When Ellis was drafted....
I really, really, liked the pick, as if I remember right, so did most others… DJ was a coach with blinders on when it came to him though I think. Always showed promise in preseason, but disappeared down the depth chart during… Glad to see he’s finally gotten the chance, and apparently, run with it….
The draft dawns a new year for Buffalo Bills fans, so let optimism reign supreme!!! After all, we are now, UNDEFEATED!!!!
It would be unwise to predict big things from Parrish this year given the team’s historical tendency to not be great offensively, but Parrish will finally get the opportunity to produce to his considerable level of talent.
Nice choice of words Brian.
And you should have put FREE FALLER in front of Maybins name… before camp I thought for sure hed have a starting spot in his grasps… now hes 3rd string. Ugh.
Riser: Eric Wood. I know this isnt breaking news… but to come back from this injury and then to hear him say he didnt want to come out of a preseason game, his first action in 8 months or so… I would say that is pretty special.
A few more “Risers”: Chad Jackson, Stupar, and I would say McKelvin started to make up some ground with his performance vs Indi.
Where else would you rather be?
Maybin is not “third string.” He’s just a situational player. He’ll still play a lot more than he did as a rook.
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2010 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions
true… not 3rd string in its true sense… but I mean when we needed a OLB to call on after Torbor went down, the coaching staff went with Ellis. But yeah… youre right… he will get in situationaly. Still just a bit disappointing.
Where else would you rather be?
We need to remember that just because someone is drafted 11th overall, it doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed to be better than a 3rd-, 4th-, or even 7th-round guy. At least with Maybin, we all knew he was going to have to grow into an NFL player, and that it might only come with a situational role. I’m more upset with James Hardy’s selection right now than I am Maybin’s. Hardy had the pedigree, production, and game experience one would think should have made him a success in the league. What happened?
It’s a terrible feeling as a fan to watch your favorite team continuously whiff on talent in rounds 1 and 2. Hopefully they’ve straightened this out now that the Inner Sanctum (oops Circle) has been dismantled.
"Give back some of that money you ain't [expletive] earned!" - Eric Wood
Song recommendation of the week: Kool & The Gang - Summer Madness
by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 22, 2010 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd. The Hardy situation really is terrible, IMO.
If he gets cut….what a waste of a high second round draft pick.
I know that I hate it when people do this BUT…drafted after Hardy were: Eddie Royal, Fred Davis (TE), DeSean Jackson, Calais Cambell, Ray Rice, Jason Jones (DT), Chad Henne, Martellus Bennett, Terrell Thomas (CB), Tavares Gooden, Jamaal Charles…
I feel like when an organization strikes out so badly on a 1st or 2nd round draft pick that they cut them within 3 years….they should have to write up a report as to what went wrong so the fans could at least have an explaination….such as: This is why we drafted this player, this is why he didn’t develop, ect. (I know, I know it wasn’t this regime that drafted him….so nobody is accountable….ugh)
"WHEN THE WAGON BLASTER TAKES OFF dont try to get in. THE SPACESES ARE LIMITED FOR WINNING ATTITUDE GODZILLA IS COMING GET READY" - abayarde
by StroudFanClub on Aug 22, 2010 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
To be fair
With the front office, everyone wanted a WR in that draft and there have been plenty of busts there, as we saw in Washington. M. Kelly and D. Thomas were widely considered the two best receivers in that draft and they’ve done nothing. Only Jackson has produced at a high level (did you see Royal last year?) in what was a bad receiver class. Both of them are also smaller guys and everyone wants a possession receiver across from Evans. Doesn’t excuse the pick, but the guys who were available argument isn’t very strong for the Hardy pick.
2008 Draft 2nd Round Wr’s
2 33 Donnie Avery WR Houston St. Louis Rams
2 34 Devin Thomas WR Michigan State Washington Redskins
2 36 Jordy Nelson WR Kansas State Green Bay Packers
2 41 James Hardy WR Indiana Buffalo Bills
2 42 Eddie Royal WR Virginia Tech Denver Broncos
2 46 Jerome Simpson WR Coastal Carolina Cincinnati Bengals
2 49 DeSean Jackson WR California Philadelphia Eagles
2 51 Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma Washington Redskins
2 53 Limas Sweed WR Texas Pittsburgh Steelers
I agree that the WR class (especially bigger WRs) was pretty terrible overall (so far at least)
But I don’t think that really excuses a bad draft pick. Nobody forced them to pick a WR. I agree the fans wanted one…myself included, but if people (not saying you) bail them out about not picking a QB or Tackle early in this draft by saying “well, there wasn’t one they liked”, then they can’t have it both ways and say “well any tall WR they picked would have sucked”. right?
"WHEN THE WAGON BLASTER TAKES OFF dont try to get in. THE SPACESES ARE LIMITED FOR WINNING ATTITUDE GODZILLA IS COMING GET READY" - abayarde
by StroudFanClub on Aug 22, 2010 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
At they very least, Eric Wood deserves the Ed Block Courage Award this season. It’s hard to believe James Hardy was voted to receive this last year.
"Give back some of that money you ain't [expletive] earned!" - Eric Wood
Song recommendation of the week: Kool & The Gang - Summer Madness
by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 22, 2010 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree
the Ed Block Award is meant to symbolize something unrelated to play on the field. Just because Hardy hasnt played well doesnt mean he is undeserving. The award represents sportsmanship, courage and inspiration. That is stuff fans dont get to see and apparently those in the locker room thought he was inspiring.
"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly"
I stand corrected. I guess I just didn’t see the connection with the game side of things. But that isn’t the primary focus.
"Give back some of that money you ain't [expletive] earned!" - Eric Wood
Song recommendation of the week: Kool & The Gang - Summer Madness
by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 23, 2010 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t have the benefit of seeing practice, but Whitner hasn’t impressed me in the pre-season games. Particularly the flying shoulder block tackling technique that gave up a long TD run.
I thought Brohm looked pretty decent, so I’d have him as a riser, but I had low expectations.
Joique Bell has been pretty good too, and the TD when he got denied going over the pile but stayed on his feet was pretty impressive.
Bell definitely. I know we’re stacked at RB, but if this kid doesn’t make the team somehow, I will be disappointed. From what I’ve heard C. Simpson has looked pretty good too, so I guess he could be added as a riser. It’s too bad we’re not as stacked at say OT, or OLB as we are at RB.
It’s pretty reasonable to expect Bell finds his way on the team. I think Simpson could make it based purely as a specialist. He’s shown something there.
"Give back some of that money you ain't [expletive] earned!" - Eric Wood
Song recommendation of the week: Kool & The Gang - Summer Madness
by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 22, 2010 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
I see Chad Simpson getting cut. He hasn’t had many good carries when he’s gotten the ball. and we have better returners than him. The only thing I like about him really is that he looks pretty quick. I really think that Jackson could be s starter. I think he has more skill than Steve Johnson, Steve hasn’t really made enough plays but I still like both as Top 3 receivers for us.
Those three might be the best for the Bills, but how depressing that the Patriots can counter Evans, Johnson, Parrish with Moss, Welker, Edelman or the Colts whip out Wayne, Gonzales, Garcon/Collie…jeez. Everyone wants to blame the o-line for the Bills’ offensive woes, but when will people wake up and see that the WR’s (along with a below-average QB of course) are dragging this team down? How bad does S. Johnson scare defenses? I bet the whole league is barely sleeping with the prospect of having to contain Parrish and C. Jackson!
lol
man u have no concept of football. name one great thrwoing team that didnt have a above averge O-line and a above averge QB which neither of the bills have. Be realistic the o line is nothing to be proud of. Both tackles are below averge and the center is averge at best and that might be giving him to much praise seeing that he was never a starter before he came here. They need to improve the line and they def need to get a new group of QBs in here.
the flying shoulder block tackling technique
Yes. Wrap him up!
"Ability without character will lose. The Bills are going to be a team of high character. That stamp I will push very hard. I hope we can convey that to our fans and project something very special to the rest of the nation." - Marv Levy
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Aug 22, 2010 9:27 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The flying shoulder block tackling technique
To bad nobody taught him the “Five Finger Palm Exploding Heart Technique”…it would have saved a touchdown.
"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban
haha
Nice.
"Ability without character will lose. The Bills are going to be a team of high character. That stamp I will push very hard. I hope we can convey that to our fans and project something very special to the rest of the nation." - Marv Levy
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Aug 22, 2010 7:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Curious
What are the chances that Maybin flat out gets cut? I’d say 10%, only because the Bills really need the bodies, and he’s a #1 draft pick. But, given his lack of production and his lack of ties to the current regime, I don’t think it’s out of the question. That would be a shocker though. What a shame, I was really hoping he’d step up. We needed 2 or 3 guys to step up there, not just Ellis.
No Salary Cap
In a cap free year, there’s less cost to cutting him – no dead cap money. So I think that bumps it up a little bit, though probably 10% is still a good guess.
. But, given his lack of production and his lack of ties to the current regime, I don’t think it’s out of the question.
In 2010 it’s absolutely out of the question.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
I'll bet anything anyone wants to bet
That theirs no way in hell Maybin is cut.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
I'm not taking that bet
I think you’re right. At the same time I’d rather have a guy that will actually bring something to the table instead of just taking up a roster spot. I guess at this point all we can hope for is that the lightbulb goes on at some point during the season.
I just remind myself every day
Maybins only like 21. There’s still time.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
I know, I know
Patience. And besides it’s not like there are a lot of other options out there. I am so tired of rebuilding, it’s going to be a tough next couple of years waiting for this team to pull it together.
Remember that this would be Maybin's senior year at Penn State
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft Owen Marecic in 2011" campaign.
Yesterday....
at BBMB, someone posed a similar question, and in a rare case, Chris Brown posted in it, basically saying it was a stupid idea, and that Maybin would be a big part of the nickel, and dime packages. Said the coaches are having him concentrate strictly as a pass rusher…
The draft dawns a new year for Buffalo Bills fans, so let optimism reign supreme!!! After all, we are now, UNDEFEATED!!!!
I never said it was a smart idea. Then again, having a situational pass rusher that can’t even contribute on ST’s (or, um effectively rush the passer) take up a roster spot isn’t exactly smart either. But like i said, there aren’t really any other options out there, so I guess we are forced to take our lumps & wait to see if this guy can turn into something the looks like a football player.
lol
one he is only 20 years old. He will eb starting by the end of the yr. Who cares if he dosent play speical teams. I rather have a good d player and a good o player then say there on the team cause there good at St. They said when he came out he is very raw and will take two to three years to develope. But the reason he was atkin is because he had the fastest frist step of any nplayer coming out. And that cant be taught.
I don't think it's crazy
He’s not one of the 53 best players on the roster right now, that’s for sure. For all the be patient with Aaron Maybin talk, he’s fast approaching Erik Flowers-ville. Buffalo rightly gave up on Flowers after two seasons and my guess is that if Buffalo cut Maybin today, they’d never regret it. I’m not saying I’d give up on him yet, I’m just saying my guess is that in all probability that day is fast approaching.
"Godzilla is coming so get ready." -abayarde
If the Bills cut Maybin, Rex Ryan will turn him into a Pro Bowler. There’s no worthwhile reason to cut him. It’s not like he’s taking up a roster spot for better talent waiting in the wings at JLB.
"Give back some of that money you ain't [expletive] earned!" - Eric Wood
Song recommendation of the week: Kool & The Gang - Summer Madness
by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 22, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Rex Ryan
Turn him into a Pro Bowler like he’s done with Vernon Gholston? If a player can’t play, he can’t play.
"Godzilla is coming so get ready." -abayarde
He’s not one of the 53 best players on the roster right now, that’s for sure.
Is that really for sure? Because I beg to differ.
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
In terms of what he can do for the team right now it seems to me Maybin is borderline for the 53 man roster. If one is thinking about his potential that’s a different story. He may live up to his promise and, then again, he may not. But the chance that he will develop justifies keeping him on the roster for at least another year.
I wouldn’t cut him either because of (in my opinion, far-fetched) potential…I’m just saying that he isn’t one of the best 53 players on the roster right now. I don’t think that’s really going out on a limb.
"Godzilla is coming so get ready." -abayarde
And I would love to see the list of the 53 better players.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Aug 23, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
You have access to the roster...how hard is this to figure out yourself?
For the sake of brevity, here are the players in the front 7 that I’d feel better about being on the field than Maybin come 9/12;
Davis
Poz
Mitchell
Moats
Woods
Ellison
Ellis
Kelsay
Torber
Edwards
Williams
Troup
Stroud
Carrington
Johnson
McCargo
Duncan
…I don’t think most teams keep more than 15 players for their front 7 on the 53 man roster.
"Godzilla is coming so get ready." -abayarde
I do have access. I just want you to put your money where your mouth is.
Rashard Duncan. Really?
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Aug 23, 2010 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Money/mouth
Like I said, you can hold me to my prediction that Maybin doesn’t make the 2011 team. Obviously, I’m hoping I’m wrong. Considering he signed a 6 year contract (I think), I feel like that’s a bold enough limb to be out on without being put through semantics.
"Godzilla is coming so get ready." -abayarde
Semantics? You said you’d rather have 53 other guys on the team. I want the 53 because I think he’s loads better than Rashard Duncan.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Aug 23, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Right now, Aaron Maybin is not an NFL football player in my judgment. Far less physically gifted players like Rashard Duncan are more capable at this very specific moment in time. I’m not advocating cutting him (why would you cut a 1st round pick in an obvious re-building year?), but I’m serious that I don’t think he can play even in a limited role without hurting the team when he’s on the field. If Buffalo was picking their roster strictly based on who is able to help the team now, I don’t think Maybin would make. Based on what we’ve seen from him, I hardly see why that is such a wild, reckless statement in your opinion…I hope you’re right though and I’m just missing it (honestly).
"Godzilla is coming so get ready." -abayarde
And I couldn’t disagree more. Maybin has shown in the first two preseason games he is capable of providing pressure on the passer, albeit inconsistently. He needs to work on acquiring pass rushing moves. The kid’s first step is to die for. If the Bills were going by “what can you do for me this year” Maybin would still be ahead of Rashard Duncan who lacks virtually every physical skill needed for success.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Aug 23, 2010 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Snippy, snippy
I don’t agree that Donovan Woods and Art Moats are better than Aaron Maybin. I don’t think it’s particularly close either. Is Maybin our 4th best OLB? Absolutely. Is he the 6th best? No.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
Hilariousness: Had the Bills drafted Tebow, everyone here would be using the exact same argument in reverse. Because he sure as hell wouldn’t be one of the 53 “best players on the roster”.
Is it hockey season yet?
BUFFALO NATION WILL see your BUFFALO BILLS KICK THE soul out of the TUNA FISH FLIPPER ACE VENTURA OILY FLAUNDER NO TAIL SHAMUU WHANA BEs - abayarde
Paul McCartney Can't Play Piano
Burgundy Wave: Nobody's favorite Rapids Blog!
Like brian said earlier
Is it really for sure? Cuz I’m sure many would disagree.
Buffalo, that's where it's at baby. - Adam 'Pacman' Jones
To us winning is a tradition. We are victors and need not explain. You may hate us, but your girlfriends love us. - BC
One more than Shaq. - Kobe answering how it felt to win Championship number 5
by silverstreak3k on Aug 22, 2010 2:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Man I’d love to see your 53-man list.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Aug 22, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybin
Is not going anywhere. LoL. Too soon to get rid of him. He’s way young and inexperienced. They will give him more time.
I don't think he's getting cut either
…but I’ll gamble and say he’s gone one year from opening day 2011…just like Erik Flowers was after two seasons…you can hold me to that prediction.
"Godzilla is coming so get ready." -abayarde
Flowers and Maybin are two completely different stories
Flowers and Gholston are more similar. Flowers was a tall, angular rusher coming out of Arizona State that looked like a good candiate to convert to OLB. For whatever reason (inability to handle pass coverage???) Buffalo bulked him up and played him at 5 technique DE. Though Flowers’ move failed, Gholston has a better chance at success since he’s more of a power rusher than a speed rusher.
Maybin is a pure edge rusher that’s remaining a pure edge rusher. And, of most importance, this is Maybin’s senior year at Penn State. He would have gotten a ton of reps last year at Penn State, and this year. Which is why Edwards is keeping him games late. Color me not concerned in the least. If by next year at this time, he’s not progressed, then I’ll be concerned.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft Owen Marecic in 2011" campaign.
re:
I’m just referencing Flowers as a caution to the ‘patience camp" that being a first round pick doesn’t guarantee an endless leash…Flowers got two years in Buffalo. While that’s rare for a first rounder, it makes it pretty clear that Maybin won’t get too much longer to look like fan from the stands who won a contest. He’s going to have to show something soon. I’m not saying he absolutely won’t, but I am saying that I’m betting against him based on what I’ve seen…he looks pathetic thus far and in my opinion, time and seasoning won’t be enough to cure that…we’ll see (and by all means, I hope I’m completely wrong).
"Godzilla is coming so get ready." -abayarde
I’m not sure what he’s going to become either. I do know that pass rushers tend to develop slowly. Maybin’s got a lot going against him; namely, he made a huge mistake coming out as a 3rd year sophomore. I don’t think his body has matured, and he’s about as raw as a pass rusher comes. Last year was a complete wash for him, IMO. I don’t think the coaching staff from last year worked much on fundamentals, to the detriment of the young players. You can see that almost all of the Bills younger players are struggling, with the exception of Kyle Williams, Posluszny, and Lynch. Everyone else is playing below expectations.
Maybin needs a full year working pass rush moves before we can judge, IMO.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft Owen Marecic in 2011" campaign.
Agreed on the time it takes for most pass rushers to develop as your previous post cited very well…my skepticism on Maybin is based on the naked eye which won’t translate into stats. If I’m Buddy Nix, I’m building the team with an expectation that Maybin will fail and if he doesn’t: unexpected bonus.
"Godzilla is coming so get ready." -abayarde
I'd tape a game and re-watch all of Maybin's plays
You can’t really tell exactly what he doing/not doing at game speed. He’ll be in almost all frames due to his position.
I’d check on his hand placement, hand/foot coordination, leverage, starting stance, etc.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft Owen Marecic in 2011" campaign.
Parrish
I have absolutely no clue why I’m bullish on Roscoe Parrish; it defies all logic…for whatever reason, I have a good feeling he’ll finally have the Randle El with the Steelers type of year I always envisioned he would in 2010…I’ll say 700 yards from scrimmage and 4 total touchdowns.
"Godzilla is coming so get ready." -abayarde
I’m still skeptical about how Roscoe will perform once the regular season begins. I would LOVE to have him prove me wrong and do all kinds of nifty things with his speed, but until it happens I’m going to have my doubts.
agreed
Like I said, I have no idea why I still believe in Parrish (possibly my lack of belief in Johnson and Hardy are leading me to wishful thinking?)…but for whatever reason, I think he’s going to be a pleasant surprise for the Bills in 2010.
"Godzilla is coming so get ready." -abayarde
sounds silly i'm sure
but I’d put Trent Edwards up there. Just because he finally threw his first pre season touchdown pass in 3 years. He even looked halfway decent when playing. Not sure if he’ll be any good in regular season though
He only went 1 year w/o a pre-season TD.
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I'd swap out Leodis and put in Shawn Nelson
Leodis hasn’t been lights out in camp, but he did have a solid game this week, so I would have a hard time saying he has “fallen”.
Nelson on the other hand couldn’t beat out Stupar and at times even Michael Matthews. I dont buy that he is a “passing specialist” either, an athletic fourth round pick should beat out an undrafted free agent who was waived by his first team to win the starting job. throw in the four-game suspension and I would say this is a guy in free fall.
by Squirmin' Thurman on Aug 22, 2010 10:41 AM EDT reply actions
Nelson deserves the spot based solely on his second violation. That has everything to do with his production on the field—he won’t have any for a month, and he will be far behind his teammates. I forcast a season not unlike Marshawn’s from last year.
"Give back some of that money you ain't [expletive] earned!" - Eric Wood
Song recommendation of the week: Kool & The Gang - Summer Madness
by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 22, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought Nelson would be obvious, and I never thought TE would be a big part of the offense, anyway, so my expectations were tempered.
I wanted to focus this article on guys that represented significant investments.
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Could McKelvin
be one of these guys that comes up much bigger in games than in practice?
by ccthemovieman on Aug 22, 2010 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
yet i wouldn’t hold my breath for it. practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.
"AND THEY KNOW that I come stronger every time so to me all of that CRAP they talk of my BILLS WILL NOT BREAK ME , I HAVE THE HEART OF THE BUUFALO the strength of the OF THE MOUNTAIN , THE FURY OF THE THUNDER AND MY WILL IS UNBREAKABLE , I will not surrender to KNOW ONE" Abayarde, the man who puts the rUmBlE in rumblings.
by ausbillsfan on Aug 22, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
AGREE
Shawn Nelson has not lived up to his potential and with his suspension it further adds to his woes.I would also have to put Lankster on this list,each pre season game his play on the field gets worse and if Hardy doesn’t play soon then I say lets cut our loses.
by morpheus123456 on Aug 22, 2010 11:30 AM EDT reply actions
My addition is
Chan Gailey. When Chan was hired there were a lot of disappointed folks since Gailey was not spelled Shanahan or Cowher. While we were all willing to give him a shot, there were a lot of question marks in terms of how he would handle coaching in the NFL again.
Thus far he’s made a lot of decisions throughout camp that we all think were smart. Practice in pads, knee braces for the O-line, competition and no free passes into the starting line-up, etc. He has been nothing but honest with the media (i.e. honest with the fans). Before this preseason, the last Bills game I liked the playcalling in (on the Bills side) was the 2009 opener against New England, and aside from that game I think its been many years.
With the early promise shown by Spiller, Troup, Easley, and a host of undrafted free agents, I would also give an honorable mention to Nix, though its obviously still early for that evaluation.
by Denver's Buffalo Fan on Aug 22, 2010 11:37 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
The real litmus test for Shanahan will be when McNabb is injured or retires. What will he do at that point? He was hardly successful when that Elway guy wasn’t throwing missles for his team.
"Give back some of that money you ain't [expletive] earned!" - Eric Wood
Song recommendation of the week: Kool & The Gang - Summer Madness
by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 22, 2010 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
But yes, I agree Chan Gailey’s stock is rising. He just sounds focused and determined to get these guys up for anyone.
"Give back some of that money you ain't [expletive] earned!" - Eric Wood
Song recommendation of the week: Kool & The Gang - Summer Madness
by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 22, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
While we were all willing to give him a shot,
I wouldn’t go so far as to say we were ALL willing to give him a shot at first!
Also, oh hey another Denverite!
Is it hockey season yet?
BUFFALO NATION WILL see your BUFFALO BILLS KICK THE soul out of the TUNA FISH FLIPPER ACE VENTURA OILY FLAUNDER NO TAIL SHAMUU WHANA BEs - abayarde
Paul McCartney Can't Play Piano
Burgundy Wave: Nobody's favorite Rapids Blog!
hey another Denverite!
Nice! Hey, where do you go to watch the games? Me and a couple others are looking for a new spot to watch the Bills games since we ditched Direct TV this year. I heard the Bills Backers get together at LoDo’s downtown.
by Denver's Buffalo Fan on Aug 22, 2010 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
They do indeed, I’m there every weekend. Great atmosphere and well over half the TV’s are on the Bills game every weekend.
Is it hockey season yet?
BUFFALO NATION WILL see your BUFFALO BILLS KICK THE soul out of the TUNA FISH FLIPPER ACE VENTURA OILY FLAUNDER NO TAIL SHAMUU WHANA BEs - abayarde
Paul McCartney Can't Play Piano
Burgundy Wave: Nobody's favorite Rapids Blog!
by UZ on Aug 22, 2010 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I love and hate a few of those picks Brian
Love:
Roscoe Parrish – I am shocked that a Rumbler hasnt posted a fanpost or lengthy comment on him sooner. Roscoe has looked great in preseason. Think about all the plays we’ve seen this first team offense run with our new offensive minded coach in the last two games. Outside of the running backs, Roscoe Parrish has been the most productive – and consistently productive – member of our offense. Curl routes, slants, whatever, the guy is making 8 – 12 yard gains. I have been very down on Roscoe for a long time, mostly because I’ve always felt he had the speed and quickness to be a deadly offensive weapon. Now I feel that his time may have finally arrived. Good job Chan for finding a way to involve Roscoe and hopefully it carries over into regular season production. He’ll be a mismatch for any DB.
Chris Ellis – A part of me wants to go overboard and say that Chris Ellis is my new favorite Bill. What can I say, I’m a sucker for a comeback story. The rational me says its only preseason and he hast done anything yet. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that Ellis is going to break out, lock down a starting job before the 2010 season closes, and becomec a mainstay of our new 3-4 defense. He’s been impressive in a “wow” fashion. He’s tall and lanky and uses that physical trait well to get his hands on ball carriers, hes taken on much larger blockers with reckless aggressiveness and I like it, and hes finding a way to be the guy around the ball when the play is over. A few years with George Edwards to refine his pass rushing moves and we could have a baller here Rumblers.
Hate:
Leodis McKelvin – I dont think its fair to pick on McKelvin. All I know of his play this offseason is what I read from your reports so I dont pretend to be an expert but I’ve really liked his play this preseason. To me, this is still McKelvin’s 2nd season. He’s raw but has a world of talent and hes done nothing to make me down on him. In the Indy game he was unbelievable, sniffing out passes from the great Peyton Manning. The worst thing I can say about McKelvin is that hes inconsistent but you know what? Thats what aggressive corners are always labeled with. Antonio Cormartie and DeAngelo Hall are the type of corner that either gets burned or takes it to the house with a pick six. McKelvin is in that category and its ok. Terrence McGee has always been the model of consistency at corner for us, hes going to lock his man up and bottle up his assignment but hes not going to explode to change a game (even though he did against Indy). McKelvin is a different corner with different attributes to bring to the table and I think he plays an important role in our secondary. He and Jairus need to be our playmakers, our gamebreakers, and they will I think.
Aaron Maybin: Hes certainly not a riser but I also dont believe hes a faller. Hes been right where I expected him to be. Hes shown flashes of improvement but he hasnt been an impact guy. I’m not sure what expectations you had for him but to me thats on par for where he should be. You yourself have been the biggest proponent of Aaron Maybin was a project from the moment he was drafted – raw, young, but with a ton of ability – and so we should maintain patience. I think hes starting to show signs of delivering on that ability. I have more confidence in him now than I did before the preseason and I think thats all we can ask. He’s coming along, hes 21. It’ll take another year or two but this year will be his chance to get better as each game progresses.
"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly"
by poz on Aug 22, 2010 12:09 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
McKelvin was terrible in Washington. He’s got all kinds of ability but gives up big plays as well as fairly mundane ones on a regular basis. Against Indy he did much, much better. Will the real McKelvin please stand up?
It can always get worse. Let me tell you how.
by Ron From NM on Aug 22, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
right
but its the preseason of his third year, and I would argue technically his second. The guy missed the entire 2009 season as far as I’m concerned and I dont think we should underestimate how much that set him back. I expect the consistency to emerge by seasons end.
"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly"
There's no denying his talent...
we all just hope he can keep his concentration on the field, and if that happens, he could be the next in a long line of Pro Bowl CBs for us…
The draft dawns a new year for Buffalo Bills fans, so let optimism reign supreme!!! After all, we are now, UNDEFEATED!!!!
what they said
i see mckelvin pullint it together this season and challenging for the number one spot next season (although most likely mcgee will keep that until he retires)
Buffalo, that's where it's at baby. - Adam 'Pacman' Jones
To us winning is a tradition. We are victors and need not explain. You may hate us, but your girlfriends love us. - BC
One more than Shaq. - Kobe answering how it felt to win Championship number 5
by silverstreak3k on Aug 22, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
that would be so nice
the biggest shame to me is McGee never getting the recognition he deserved nationally. Hes probably an all time favorite Bill for me.
"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly"
He wasn’t “terrible” in Washington. Reggie Corner was “terrible” in Washington. McKelvin may not have had a great game but he was not terrible that game, in fact I remember him making a couple of nifty tackles at points.
Is it hockey season yet?
BUFFALO NATION WILL see your BUFFALO BILLS KICK THE soul out of the TUNA FISH FLIPPER ACE VENTURA OILY FLAUNDER NO TAIL SHAMUU WHANA BEs - abayarde
Paul McCartney Can't Play Piano
Burgundy Wave: Nobody's favorite Rapids Blog!
by UZ on Aug 22, 2010 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
So....
he misses lots of time due to injury and he is rusty in his first real action (not OTAs and camps), and he looked bad against Washington?
Sorry, but I think too many Rumblers put too much stock in preseason. It’s a time to “experiment” with different personnel in different looks.
JMHO
agree on Maybin
it might just be that i refuse to accept it but i cannot write off a guy who is 22 years old and in the 1st year of a new system
"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-
Maybin
Why would we intentionally draft a “project” player that is’nt going to contribute for years to come? Add to that he’s a 1st rd. pick and I’m amazed the “powers that be” saw that as acceptable. I’d call it a “1st rd. bust” and move on.
Home of "Spiller the Thriller"
by buffalobacker on Aug 22, 2010 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d call it a "1st rd. bust" and move on.
And you’d be wrong. You don’t give up on first round picks, before there second season?
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
I dunno why I typed a question mark.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
like mob said
you’d move on after one year in which he never saw the field? Come on bb, if that were the case a lot of star players would have never emerged.
Im not Dick Jauron, and with his job on the line I’d have gone with NFL ready Brian Orakpo if it was me. But the fact is everyone knew going in that Maybin would need some work. Lets let him get that work in before dumping him
"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly"
Ahhhh...
the “powers that be” are now “the powers that be gone”.
Do I think drafting him in round one was a huge reach? Absolutely.
But, I don’t think it is too early to throw him under the bus.
this was my favorite part
Concerning Parrish:
It would be unwise to predict big things from Parrish this year given the team’s historical tendency to not be great offensively,
I’m more reluctant about Parrish because of his own historical tendency to not be worth a darn thing from scrimmage. For whatever reason, he’s just never shown that he has it in him to take a slant or a screen, break a tackle, and make a play. He’s been a nice punt returner, but the guy has never been the offensive player we were hoping for.
CJ Spiller: CJ stands for Chris Johnson.
Bell has to be a riser yes?
Chan Gailey's #1 Fan!
by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 22, 2010 2:58 PM EDT reply actions
parrish is underrated
i think that giving parrish a bigger roll in the offence this year is a great idea, he has great speed and quickness, his down fall when it comes to the wr position is his size hes too small. some wr screens may work well for him but i’m sure he’ll bust a few big plays this season i could never understand why juron never utilized him more just glad to see gailey giving it a try. what will kill us this year just like every year since about 2000 will be the o-line they just don’t give any of the qb’s enough time, i hope they can fix that problem before miami
i disagree with this entirely.
but i’m sure he’ll bust a few big plays this season i could never understand why juron never utilized him more just glad to see gailey giving it a try.
the team has thrown him screens his entire career in buffalo. He doesn’t make plays from scrimmage. He never has. Ever. Why would we assume this 28 year old pony is going to learn new trick?
what will kill us this year just like every year since about 2000 will be the o-line they just don’t give any of the qb’s enough time, i hope they can fix that problem before miami
What will kill is this year is that we don’t have a transcendent QB the way that every single Super Bowl contender does.
CJ Spiller: CJ stands for Chris Johnson.
Don't like Parrish
There is a reason he hasn’t emerged. We’ll see how he performs when DCs gameplan for him and jam him at the line of scrimmage. Even in motion he may not escape from a DB shadow. I do hope it works out for him.
I’m liking McKelvin, only because he came out well going up against Manning and Wayne. That’s got to count for something.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
