Bills Not Yet Using All Special Teams Resources

by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 12:30 PM EDT in Buffalo Bills Opinion

It's fair to say that optimism surrounding the Buffalo Bills is about as high as can be reasonably expected after two straight solid preseason showings. Bills fans have been entertained, which, at the moment, is masking several glaring deficiencies that the team still hasn't been able to fix. The most-referenced of those deficiencies is kick and punt coverage on special teams.

Buffalo's special teams, under the direction of new/old coordinator Bruce DeHaven, have given up one or more huge kick or punt returns in each of the team's three preseason games this year, including a lengthy touchdown in the opener. After six years of special teams dominance under the tutelage of now-departed coordinator Bobby April, this latest teams development has been a massive disappointment for the fan base.

Keep in mind, however, that the Bills still aren't utilizing all resources available to them in covering kicks and punts. Including kicker Rian Lindell, here are the ten players that covered the opening kickoff of Saturday's win over Cincinnati: David Nelson, Jonathan Stupar, Alex Carrington, Aaron Maybin, Arthur Moats, Antonio Coleman, Reggie Corner, Ashton Youboty, Ellis Lankster and Bryan Scott.

Not all of these players will be covering kicks for the Bills in 2010; some may not even make the team. Proven special teams players like George Wilson, Corey McIntyre, Keith Ellison and a few others haven't even seen the field yet. For now, I'm at ease knowing the Bills have sacrificed some teams time to play better offense and defense. I'll worry more about the coverage units if they're making the same mistakes at full personnel strength.

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FYI, keith ellison was definitely on the field for the kickoff after one of the bills 1st team offense touchdowns (i believe the first one).

i hope the players make the difference. letting pacman jones return the opening kickoff to the 50+ is no way to set the tone for a game, if it was the regular season.

by quantumuprising on Aug 30, 2010 12:35 PM EDT reply actions

good points

For now, I’m at ease knowing the Bills have sacrificed some teams time to play better offense and defense. I’ll worry more about the coverage units if they’re making the same mistakes at full personnel strength.

It’s a give and take businness. We are playing better offense, not so great defense and bad at covering kicks. We’ll see how it plays out when the games count, but this team has top-notch talent at the KR and PR position, and is finally showing offensive promise. For a team that was poised to win 2-3 games by media pundits, being excited at all about the Bills right now….just feels really good.

"Show me the baby: - Buddy Nix

by MARVelous on Aug 30, 2010 12:37 PM EDT reply actions

Why am I not suprised to see Maybin and failure when it comes to special teams......

lol.

I keed I keed.

Chan Gailey's #1 Fan!

by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 30, 2010 12:38 PM EDT reply actions

well

he’s practicing really hard, doesxn’t that count for something? 3rd string behind Torbor and Ellis…gotta love it

"Show me the baby: - Buddy Nix

by MARVelous on Aug 30, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions

This “third string” business needs to stop, because that’s not the reality of his situation. That’d be like calling C.J. Spiller a third-stringer.

@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

The reality of the situation is thats where he should probably be.............

Chan Gailey's #1 Fan!

by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 30, 2010 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions

"he" being Maybin.

Chan Gailey's #1 Fan!

by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 30, 2010 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m not turning this into yet another ridiculous Maybin slugfest, so I’m done responding to the bait after this comment.

It’s been very apparent since the beginning of training camp and the first preseason game that Maybin is a pass-rush specialist this year. Buffalo doesn’t want to use him on every down, almost like they don’t want to use ANY of their OLBs on every down, it seems.

He was always going to be a significant part of the team’s defensive package. That remains unchanged. That’s all I’m saying.

@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

I’m not really understanding the Maybin bashing….

Fear the Grier!!!!

by willgarr15 on Aug 30, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m not really understanding the Maybin bashing….

I do – he’s a first round pick that hasn’t had the type of impact that Spiller has had this preseason.

The rest is just impatience given the scenario.

I'm not sure we have the tools or the talent....

by J2 on Aug 30, 2010 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Well if we look at Mario Williams’ career, he was being talked about as a bust after his first season. He did have what, 5 sacks, but it seems VERY true that pass rushers are under a very high-powered microscope.

"Give back some of that money you ain't [expletive] earned!" - Eric Wood

Song recommendation of the week: Cracker - "Euro-Trash Girl"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 30, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Well every 1st round pick..........especially the FIRST overall is under a microscope.

Chan Gailey's #1 Fan!

by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 30, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions

What makes no sense to me is how we all continue to bash on QBs, DEs, and WRs, when it’s a known fact that it takes time for them to mature into NFL-level talent. We knew it was going to be a longer learning curve for Maybin, yet the vast majority of fans are impatient and relentless in cutting him down. I’m not a fan of his play yet, but i’m willing to accept that he’s hardly ready for prime time.

"Give back some of that money you ain't [expletive] earned!" - Eric Wood

Song recommendation of the week: Cracker - "Euro-Trash Girl"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 30, 2010 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I saw Mario play the other night. Dude is a BEAST!

"Adversity is an opportunity for heroism." Marv Levy.

by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Aug 30, 2010 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions

if it takes time for them to mature into an NFL level talent, then they shouldnt be a first round pick.

by quantumuprising on Aug 31, 2010 8:22 AM EDT up reply actions

some just take longer to come around then others.

Chan Gailey's #1 Fan!

by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 30, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions

maybin

dindn’t mean to bash him, but is disappointing he can’t start. the talent at RB I think is quite better than the talent at WLB. If he makes an impact at getting after the QB that’s all we can ask for. I’m all for letting it shake out and see how he can do

"Show me the baby: - Buddy Nix

by MARVelous on Aug 30, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

I think that we’re putting too much stock in the word “start” and who’s “starting” . Depending on the situation, especially if we are up a bunch of points, Maybin might end up playing more than half of the snaps. Dwight Freeney “started” when he was a rookie, but came out a lot on run plays.

Some day the Bills won't suck anymore. Or they'll be in someone else's city.

by syrbillsfan on Aug 30, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

especially if we are up a bunch of points

I had to giggle at this. I see very little opportunity for them to throw up points on many teams.

"Give back some of that money you ain't [expletive] earned!" - Eric Wood

Song recommendation of the week: Cracker - "Euro-Trash Girl"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 30, 2010 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions

I and others have said it before...

DE/OLB is the second hardest position for the transition from college to pro behind only quarterback. Mario Williams looked like a huge bust his first year and he’s now growing as a dominate presence. He also had the advantage of a full rookie pre-season and being a starter his first year which gave him the PT to look stupid and learn from it. Maybin was an idiot who sat out (strike against him yes) and then barely sniffed the field last year. He has come out this preseason determined to learn, that’s a great sign. With PT and game reps in specialty situations the growth will continue. Don’t know the answer, but someone could check how many sacks Schobel had his first year with us….

by detricblackstone on Aug 30, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

are sacks really the end all be all all when it comes to progress though?

Sure they’re a great stat………but really a sack is just one play………I’d rather someone be disruptive for a whole game………..which is something we’ve yet to see from YOUNG Mr. Maybin.

I’d take 10-15 good QB pressures and a few decent run stopping plays over a measly sack……….

Chan Gailey's #1 Fan!

by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 30, 2010 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions

and off tangent.........sorry Im done

I swear.

Chan Gailey's #1 Fan!

by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 30, 2010 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Good point

The Redskins are distancing themselves from their high sack numbers last year because out of 30+ sacks, there was a miniscule number of turnovers.

QB pressures are totally key. Understanding the opponent is also crucial. So reading things like screens and blowing them up is key. Also someone like Schoebel was a QB nightmare because of his intelligence. If you watch the interception of Brady, you see that Schoebel was tracking him all the way down the LOS and reading exactly what he was going to do. These are the less sexy things that OLBs/DEs do, but they can be just as key as sacks.

by Ono on Aug 30, 2010 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Point taken but...

I absolutely agree that sacks are not the only gauge for evaluation (although they are important when we consider that Maybin is being called on to be a pass rusher) the point I was making and many others have made is that to develop these skills on a pro level from college takes real time and reps which he hasn’t had yet. Maybin was an exclusive rusher at Penn State, not an OLB with run and coverage responsibilities. Did we use to high a pick for a specialty player? Very possible depending on your opinion ( I think yes) but the pick was made and now he and the coaches have to put the perspiration in to maximize his skills. I think we see that happening, but it takes time.

by detricblackstone on Aug 30, 2010 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions

I hate to admit it

but I now secretly wish we had gone Orakpo (I didn’t at the time), but while Orakpo may pressure well he has some serious limits in space. It is fair to say we drafted a specialty player. But he can grow beyond that and yes, it may take time.

If Maybin is much smarter than we all think, then he could turn that into an asset very quickly. I’m a big believer in smarts being the key to defense.

I was listening to Teddy Bruschi talk about the Wildcat and how they got burned by it until he decided that it was worth it for him to back off the LOS and watch the play develop and then react. After that they contained the Wildcat. That’s what understanding the game can do for you. Bruschi was a great athlete but his smarts were key. If Maybin can develop a football IQ like that, then physical tools would make him one heck of a player.

by Ono on Aug 30, 2010 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions

to be fair........

you are the one who keeps throwing out “updated” depth charts are you not?

Thats why it keeps being brought up. :-)

Chan Gailey's #1 Fan!

by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 30, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Depth charts are depth charts. If you can find a way for me to put pass-rush specialists, nickel linebackers, dime corners, third-down running backs and kick/punt returners on the list without duplicating names, let me know. :)

@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions

rec'd

best clarification possible.

YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde

by VanScottM on Aug 30, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

That’d be like calling C.J. Spiller a third-stringer

That is a huge insult to Spiller. In 2 preseason games, Spiller has done more than Maybin ever has in the totality of his time as a Bill.

2010 Bills' truth in advertising: "Look out Cleveland, this year we score 6!" - bluecollarbuffalo

by thefourwinds on Aug 30, 2010 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, because that’s what I was saying.

@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions

But my point is calling Maybin a 3rd-stringer isn’t an insult, where it would be an insult to Spiller. Maybin simply hasn’t produced against anyone but 2nd/3rd teamers, which was the same thing he did in the preseason last year.

2010 Bills' truth in advertising: "Look out Cleveland, this year we score 6!" - bluecollarbuffalo

by thefourwinds on Aug 30, 2010 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, first of all, we weren’t talking about insults, we were talking about facts.

which was the same thing he did in the preseason last year.

Jeff Backus is a starter.

@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Brian

I really enjoy reading your “fire-back” posts :)

by stetzwebs on Aug 30, 2010 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Bills fans have been entertained, which, at the moment, is masking several glaring deficiencies that the team still hasn’t been able to fix.

This season all I want is to be entertained instead of sickened like the last few seasons.

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 30, 2010 12:43 PM EDT reply actions

And...

you really have to think that you could be both entertained and sickened.

by Boogie on Aug 30, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions

If I wanted that I’d see a Saw movie, not a Bills game!

by UZ on Aug 30, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

While I understand the philosophy...

I understand the need and value of putting the lion share of your low tier backups on special teams in the preseason. These are the players fighting for roster spots and since backups see the field most often in special teams the coaches have to see who at the bottom end of the roster shines so they know who to keep and who to cut. Also you don’t want to risk injury to anyone who would be a major factor on offense and defense till you have to. That being said, with a new coach and therefore new scheme I would have liked to see a few of our established spec-teamers in a bit more to give them the live speed familiarity with DeHaven’s plans. I’m not nervous yet, but this could result in a fast and hard learning curve when the bullets flying around count.

by detricblackstone on Aug 30, 2010 12:58 PM EDT reply actions

Special teams tends to get the “leftovers” on the roster, so I’m not totally surprised.

It is encouraging to speculate that they might be saving better ST play for the regular season. Hope that turns out to be true.

And with the 9th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select...C.J.Spiller?

by Blitz on Aug 30, 2010 1:05 PM EDT reply actions

I think ST’s will be better week 1… for the exact reason you gave Brian. They arent using the normal players that will be out there. Wilson is great on ST… as is McIntyre. Both are always around the ball on kickoffs. Now if its week 3-4 and we keep letting the opposition starting around midfield then we’ve got problems… but I think we’ll be ok… probably wont be what we were under April… but if we are solid in the coverage game that will be good.

As far as the return game… who do you think is going to be our starting KR and PR. I dont remember if theyve said anything about it yet, and theyve used just about everyone during the pre-season. My guess is Spiller = KR : Parrish = PR. Is this correct?

Where else would you rather be?

by bflo on Aug 30, 2010 1:09 PM EDT reply actions

But to get back on topic.........

Wouldnt it make sense for the people who are going to be on Special Teams for the regular season be the ones to atleast be practicing it during the preseason?

Chan Gailey's #1 Fan!

by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 30, 2010 1:15 PM EDT reply actions

They all have sparingly. They just haven’t been on the field at the same time.

@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions

It could be that

the risk of injury is too high and it is less of a risk to keep them out in PS. Special Teams seems to be abut speed, positioning, and sound tackling and I think we can expect these from our regular ST starters without much game time experience in PS.

by Ono on Aug 30, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions

whats the difference if they get hurt week 1 playing ST because they hadnt practiced.....

and week 3 in the preseason trying to practice?

Chan Gailey's #1 Fan!

by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 30, 2010 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybe the idea is

that they will get hurt at some point on ST, so save it for when it counts
. . . I dunno. I would play them for at least a couple of series.

by Ono on Aug 30, 2010 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions

This is training camp

I believe Gailey and Co. are trying to find out who else can be an asset to the ST and also for those players on the bubble, whether or not they could help out in other ways to justify not being cut.

by blknites on Aug 30, 2010 1:24 PM EDT reply actions

J Bell

Had a really nice shoelace tackle on punt coverage in the last quarter I believe!! He might become a special teams ace if he makes the team, which I think he will!!

That was not a laterall!!!

by brendar of the bills people on Aug 30, 2010 1:37 PM EDT reply actions

I noticed that tackle as well. I seem to recall at one point on the blog where he was described as lacking in the ST arena. He needs to make all the plays he can there just to stick with the team.

"Give back some of that money you ain't [expletive] earned!" - Eric Wood

Song recommendation of the week: Cracker - "Euro-Trash Girl"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 30, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

W/your last sentence Afghan!!

That was not a laterall!!!

by brendar of the bills people on Aug 30, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions

One nice shoestring tackle doesn’t change the fact that he has been a.w.f.u.l as a specialist this preseason. He’s a loooooooooong way away from “special teams ace.”

@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions

a.w.f.u.l sounds like the name of a bad hip hop group!

by UZ on Aug 30, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I hear ya

But I don’t think he’d ever played Special Teams in college. Did he?? I think its just something that if he works at it he may get good at!! But your right, he needs to work at it!!

That was not a laterall!!!

by brendar of the bills people on Aug 30, 2010 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Not too many D-2 guys who score 88 touchdowns and run for over 2,000 yards twice play special teams. :)

@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

NO WORRIES FOR MAYBIN

What people don’t seem to understand is that Maybin is only 22 yrs old.How many of us out there were performing at a high level at 22 in their field…not many,there aren’t too many teams out there that have 3 down on their defense.If the bills want to only USE him as a pass specialist then so be it.Chan as always said that he will put his players in the best position to succeed not fail.

by morpheus123456 on Aug 30, 2010 1:56 PM EDT reply actions

Well, age isn’t always a football player’s best friend. It like QBs, WRs, most linemen, and guys who kick the ball.

"Give back some of that money you ain't [expletive] earned!" - Eric Wood

Song recommendation of the week: Cracker - "Euro-Trash Girl"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 30, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions

but

the opponents haven’t been using all their first teamers either.

"Football's gotta be dangerous. It's gotta be labor and pains." -Deacon Jones

by Undee on Aug 30, 2010 2:56 PM EDT reply actions

So?

@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Really?

Anyway, I think the bigger solace to take is the new coach on ST. Bruce DeHaven doesn’t have the advantage of coming into the offseason knowing the players, and ST doesn’t get much time during practice, so I think it will just take some time to get all the gears working.

"Football's gotta be dangerous. It's gotta be labor and pains." -Deacon Jones

by Undee on Aug 30, 2010 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes, really. What’s to get fired up about with backups vs. backups?

@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Who’s fired up?

"Football's gotta be dangerous. It's gotta be labor and pains." -Deacon Jones

by Undee on Aug 30, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Well if you’re not fired up, what’s the point you were trying to make?

@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Just that the level of competition will be stepped up when the Bills field their #1 ST. The mistakes are a result of both personal errors on the Bills’ part and the opposition’s scheme and talent. As the opponent increases in ability to force mistakes, the added strength on the Bills side is somewhat nullified.

"Football's gotta be dangerous. It's gotta be labor and pains." -Deacon Jones

by Undee on Aug 30, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Not sure that works out logically. For that to be true, the degree to which the opponent’s starters are better than the backups would need to exactly equal that gap with the Bills’ first and second teams.

Can’t know that ’til we know. You know?

@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions

I know. The ratio of talent and scheme can’t be measured exactly; I’m just adding the point to the conversation.

"Football's gotta be dangerous. It's gotta be labor and pains." -Deacon Jones

by Undee on Aug 30, 2010 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I stand ready.....

to eat my words…… If Teams continue the way they have been, in spite of the personnel, I will definitely regret saying that Bruce DeHaven could continue the excellent special teams coaching we had under April. Let’s just hope it’s a matter of DeHaven trying to find the best players to execute on coverage.

Giggity

by Jax Bills Fan on Aug 30, 2010 3:59 PM EDT reply actions

wow....who would think emotions would run so high

over preseason kick coverage lol….

by simonpure on Aug 30, 2010 5:30 PM EDT reply actions

If you’re trying to tell me that George Wilson, Keith Ellison, and Corey McIntyre can bridge the gap between the top 5 rank ST we saw under April and the debacle we’ve seen so far better than David Nelson, Jonathan Stupar, Alex Carrington, Aaron Maybin, Arthur Moats, Antonio Coleman, Reggie Corner, Ashton Youboty, Ellis Lankster and Bryan Scott can… then you’ll have to excuse me for my condescending snicker.

……~snicker~

by Wien on Aug 30, 2010 6:24 PM EDT reply actions

Keep your snicker, because that’s not what I was saying.

@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Aug 30, 2010 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions

mmm Snickers........

Chan Gailey's #1 Fan!

by norcaliangelsfan on Aug 31, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions

ST Coach

For those that wish we still had Bobby April read other fan blogs & football reports. Philly special teams (April’s new team) are getting hammered by press & fans for their poor showing so far. Sounds like we will do just fine for regular season.

by MtJulietTNBillsFan on Aug 30, 2010 6:53 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah my roommates an Eagles fan. And O-line and ST is their biggest problems. Hes said mutliple times to me… "what about Bills Special Teams?! April better pull his head out of his… "

Where else would you rather be?

by bflo on Aug 30, 2010 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions