Ten Key Bills Fighting For Their Jobs Tonight
by Brian Galliford on Sep 2, 2010 9:21 AM EDT
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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PrintThe Buffalo Bills will wrap up their preseason schedule tonight when they take on the Detroit Lions. Clearly, there are more than just ten Bills players that will be fighting for their NFL futures tonight. Perhaps the biggest name on the list, backup quarterback candidate Brian Brohm, will likely be of particular interest to a large portion of the fan base this evening.
But in Brohm's case, whether or not he makes the 53-man roster will not have a ripple effect on the rest of the roster. Buffalo will be keeping three quarterbacks, and that's the long and short of it; no matter what happens with Brohm, the Bills will still have 50 more roster slots to fill. The following ten players, however, could all create a ripple effect - largely in terms of numbers at each position - should they perform well enough to crack the final roster.
Running backs Joique Bell and Chad Simpson. Bell is getting all of the attention, but both of these nifty runners have had their moments during preseason action. Simpson offers the team a bit more versatility as a receiver and return man, but Bell has been lights out, and has improved slightly on special teams. With three well-established running backs ahead of them on the depth chart, if either of these players is able to crack the roster, the Bills will have to sacrifice a player at another position.
Wide receiver James Hardy. Buffalo seems reasonably well set at receiver with their current top five of Evans, Johnson, Parrish, Nelson and Jackson. Hardy, the third-year pro that can neither stay healthy nor produce satisfactorily when he gets opportunities, is still an intriguing enough prospect to warrant final roster consideration. I still deem it unlikely that he accomplishes that goal, but a strong showing against Detroit could garner support he currently doesn't have.
Offensive linemen Nick Hennessey and Sean Allen. Aside from swing tackle Jamon Meredith, it's anyone's guess as to how Buffalo will stack depth behind their five projected starting offensive linemen. They're likely to keep at least eight, perhaps nine, and two linemen that could solidify spots after quiet preseasons are Allen and Hennessey. Pretty much an afterthought since the moment he arrived in Buffalo, Hennessey has been a second-unit left guard for weeks now, and even saw first-team action against Cincinnati as an extra tackle in the goal line package. He can also play tackle, and the Bills value versatility in their reserves. Allen has been the second-team center since camp opened, and if he's impressive enough, the Bills wouldn't necessarily have to give Eric Wood snaps at center during practices. Ed Wang is a factor here, as well; he's still got a shot to make the team despite missing most of training camp due to thumb surgery.
Defensive end John McCargo. I know that I, personally, am looking forward to watching McCargo tonight more than any other Bill. He's had an excellent camp and preseason, has earned public praise from his head coach, and now has a great opportunity to make the team - perhaps even unseating a veteran to do so. The most likely course of events is McCargo making the roster as a seventh defensive linemen, which could knock a defender out of the race at linebacker or in the defensive backfield.
Linebackers Keith Ellison and Antonio Coleman. The linebacker position is really hard to figure out at the moment. There are no stand-outs at this position - either outside or inside - and the Bills have a nice group of veterans and a nice group of intriguing young guys. How they mix and match veteran with youth, and how many of each they keep, will be influenced, if only slightly, by how fringe 'backers like Ellison and Coleman perform tonight.
Cornerbacks Ashton Youboty and Ellis Lankster. Buffalo's depth chart is fairly ironclad four cornerbacks deep. They'll keep at least five, and perhaps six. Lankster has been roughed up this preseason, but still has unusual athletic ability. Youboty has been steady, but has not stood out in any significant way. It's also possible that the Bills keep both of these players; running six deep at cornerback would, of course, change their numbers up at other positions.
Any names or positions that you'd like to add to the list?
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Hennessey has been a second-unit left guard for weeks now, and even saw first-team action against Cincinnati as an extra tackle in the goal line package.
you mean as a 6th lineman? or he subbed in at tackle? i didn’t realize he had been playing so much.
Yes, he was on the field as a sixth lineman. Five OL, Hennessey, 2 TEs, Trent, McIntyre, Spiller. That was on Spiller’s first TD run (the short one) against Cincy.
by Brian Galliford on Sep 2, 2010 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought C. Howard was manning the backup LG spot and Hennesey was the backup RG or do I have those reversed?
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks…
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Tight End
He was also practicing with the tight ends when they were so short on bodies last week.
I see him making the initial 53 and then getting released when Nelson gets back from suspension (and his roster exemption ends). He likely wouldn’t be active on game-days of course, but going into the season with just 2 healthy tight ends for a month is a risky propostion in my opinion.
Good Question
All great points on roster competitions. Only other question is 4 Safeties or 5? ST value may be the tipping point for all these players on the bubble.
I absolutely HATE having to watch so much Tennessee Oiler football.
by MtJulietTNBillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 9:22 AM EDT reply actions
Not sure who the fifth safety would be. Cary Harris? Dominique Harris?
by Brian Galliford on Sep 2, 2010 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Corners, Safteies all the same when you get into depth
Lankster or Youbuty could play safety in a prevent D, for ST they will play the same position, theres no way we keep 5 safeties with Wilson, Whitner Scott, Byrd – I think with Byrds injury there is no way the let go of either Youbuty or Lankster i think they keep both.
"Big Gulps Eh, Well See ya later" - Lloyd Christmas
" You Gus ready To Let The Dogs Out" "What?" " you Know, Who Let the dogs out rough rough rogh rough" - Zack Galifinakis - The Hangover
by PaullyPforPrez on Sep 2, 2010 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Wide Receivers
I can’t remember being more optimistic about going into the season with such a group of receivers as we have this year. Roscoe’s stepping up and the surprises of Jackson and Nelson have really elevated the level.
I would rather see Roosevelt sneak into the lineup than Hardy but I believe that to be more of a heartfelt rooting for the hometown boy. Anybody else think that his versatility and athletic ability make him a viable candidate?
heartfelt rooting for the hometown boy
This. Absolutely.
I’d love to see him make the team, but that’s really because he just seems like a good person.
I'm not so sure
that the Buffalo Bills brass has Jackson in the secured top 5. I think it’s possible Roosevelt is in that discussion. However I do think that Jackson is ahead of Roosevelt and Hardy and Roosevelt will see a practice squad offer.
I agree
I would love to see Roosevelt on the PS. Where was Jackson at the Cinci game (no stats) did he get play time?
Jackson was dropping a TD catch from Fitz!
"Pressure is when you don't prepare, and I know I've prepared myself..."
-C.J. Spiller
You must have looked at the NFL.com play by play
Because that pass was not catchable by anyone under 7 feet tall…
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Sep 2, 2010 3:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If you get your hands on it, it’s catchable. Agree it was an inaccurate throw, but you’d like to see Jackson come down with that..
by Brian Galliford on Sep 2, 2010 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Youboty!
It seems like we have waited for Youboty to shine for a long time. Time to move on with someone else.
But Youboty has always played well – it was just a matter of him staying healthy…and this year he has.
2010 Bills' truth in advertising: "Look out Cleveland, this year we score 6!" - bluecollarbuffalo
by thefourwinds on Sep 2, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I also
like Youboty more than Lankster, Harris, Corner and everyone else as our fourth corner. I really do.
"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly"
Me too...
Corner has, IMO, been the worst CB on the field in the preseason out of the top 6 CBs. I dont get why BG brought up Lankster having trouble this preseason when Corner was roasted twice for touchdowns in consecutive games. He has been beat badly by WRs who weren’t thrown to, so it could have been worse for him. Youboty has been better than Drayton so far up to this point, those penalties drive me nuts. He hasn’t been given any gifts like that throw to Corner so he hasn’t been noticed much, but Youboty has made some nice tackles and he has been right where he should be in terms of coverage. I say McGee, McKelvin, Drayton, Youboty, & Lankster. Keep Corner if we keep 6 CBs.
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Lankster has been as terrible
He got beat deep by Taj Smith twice in a row in the Indy game, including a TD. He also got beat deep in the Cincy game, but I forgot by whom. Matt Jones maybe. He’s done absolutely nothing to prove he belongs.
For all the talk of how deep the secondary is, I just don’t see how it is when Corner and Lankster are struggling so badly….
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Sep 2, 2010 3:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
We are in agreement...
My statement about Corner & Lankster was more of a “why is this guy safe (Corner) but not this guy (Lankster)” comment when both have been beat in games. Lanksters issue seem to be technique, Corners seem to be physical, as in he can’t keep up with the WRs. I have questions about our depth too, after the top 3 and Youboty, who IMO is solid as can be.
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Reading alot about either Brohm or Fitzpatrick getting cut. Is there no possibility of the Bill’s keeping both, and cutting the rookie. Brown is a 7th rounder. He wouldn’t slide through to the practice squad? With Edward’s fragility, it would be good to have both experienced QB’s on the roster. What about Corner vs. Youbouty vs. Langster. I thought Corner would be the odd man out.
Eh thats tough no?
All 3 quarterbacks were in a “competition” for the starting role. Having either one still on the roster causes for concern if Trent were to under perform. If he has to look over his shoulder for 2 players, I think it adds even more pressure and makes too much tension in the locker room.
If Brohm performs like he did last time out, I think they keep him and let go of Fitz. Brohm is 3 years younger and I still think has the most potential of all the QBs on the roster. He has done nothing yet in pre-season to disprove that. Tonight, he gets the chance to decide his future.
by Bill from LI on Sep 2, 2010 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think age or potential is going to play a major factor in the decision between Fitz/Brohm. I think Chan is going to keep the player who will best be able to back Trent up. They’re not keeping the 2nd QB to be a future player, they’re keeping the player who could come in and win games if Trent goes down.
by Dr. Brackish Okun on Sep 2, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
keeping the player who could come in and win games if Trent goes down.
We have a guy like that on our roster? Who knew? ; )
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Brian why no Naaman?
I honestly have to ask this question, I really believe he has played just as good as any receiver on the team this pre season, he hasnt dropped a pass, caught first down passes and returned punts effectivley
"Big Gulps Eh, Well See ya later" - Lloyd Christmas
" You Gus ready To Let The Dogs Out" "What?" " you Know, Who Let the dogs out rough rough rogh rough" - Zack Galifinakis - The Hangover
I’m not saying it’s impossible that he makes the team, I just still think it’s unlikely. He’s a lock for the practice squad at minimum.
by Brian Galliford on Sep 2, 2010 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Doing the math
A minimum that the Bills will keep:
3 QBs
3 RBs
1 FB
5 WRs
9 OL
2 TEs
1 K
1 P
1 Snap
6 DL
9 LB
9 DB
50 position locks
That leaves 3 spots. 6 DL seems light so I’d say McCargo is in. Keep Wang on the active roster & get him practicing. 10th LB or DB for STs?
…or J.Bell at RB.
2010 Bills' truth in advertising: "Look out Cleveland, this year we score 6!" - bluecollarbuffalo
by thefourwinds on Sep 2, 2010 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
9 OL 9 LB 9 DB...
Those are NOT minimums.
8 at each would be the minimum I could see kept at each position, though I agree from a talent aspect 5 corners is highly more likely.
At Linebacker, Ellis, Maybin, Torbor, Kelsay, Mitchell, Davis, Poz, and Moats are locks for the roster. Other than that, no one else is. Ellison is a great special teams piece and cover linebacker, that could be what gets him kept. If the Bills decide those qualities aren’t enough to secure a spot, I think the Bills keep Antonio Coleman to develop at OLB. Kelsay is gone after this season (if not THIS season) as well as Torbor. Coleman is a better future piece than Ellison, even if the other is slightly more valuable this year.
DL is interesting, I think with the release of Harvey there isn’t any other DL I would consider keeping more than McCargo. He has played well at 3-4 End and is a decent option in 4-3 looks.
O-line I am already counting Wang as one of the eight with Meredith and CHambers, the Bills may go 9 if the want more interior depth.
So 47 players. Plus McCargo, Youboty + Lankster, Coleman, with 2 toys. Hardy and Bell could be those until Shawn Nelson gets back. Then the Bills make a move based off of performance in 4 weeks
by Bill from LI on Sep 2, 2010 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
agreed, no way 9 is the minimum for the line. Our line is weak enough to stash players like Howard and Hennessey on the PS until the inevitable injuries pile up. I think we only go with 8 OL (Wang, Meredith, Bell, Levitre, HAng, Wood, Green and sadly, Chambers), The aforementioned other two, will go PS. As for Joique Bell. I think he makes the roster and stays there. If he goes to the PS after Jackson returns, he’ll be gone within three weeks, IMO.
Enjoying my annual three months of optimism.
I see us keeping
4 RB(with Bell)
3 TE (one to be cut when Nelson returns)
10 DB (C. Harris slips on instead of Lankster bc he can play both CB and S)
and that makes 53.
First and foremost Im looking for them to all just stay healthy tonight. If we lose 100-0 but everyones healthy Ill take it.
As far as position battles… Im looking forward to the WR and LB battles. I dont think it matters what Hardy does tonight against the Lions backups… Id have to say his days are numbered… here in Buffalo… and its reached single digits. But Jones and Roosevelt have something to play for… where neither will probably make the team… theyre fighting for a spot on the PS.
And I also think that both Youboty and Lankster both make the team. Doubt Lankster will be active many weeks… but I would imagine both make the squad.
Im rooting for Antonio Coleman. Id like to see when he could end up doing for us down the road a bit… With the lack of “blow you away” talent at OLB… hes got a shot to stick.
Where else would you rather be?
I'm looking at the LB's pretty closely too
Kelsay, Ellis, Maybin and Torbor make it at OLB. Posluszny, Davis, and Mitchell make it at ILB.
That’s seven, with 2-3 more spots available.
Ellison, Moats, and Coleman all have shots to make the roster. Might they all play well enough to convince the Bills to keep 10 LB’s?
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft Owen Marecic in 2011" campaign.
Id say we got a good shot of having 10 LB’s make the 53 man. Especially with the first year transition… and no real cut top notch LB’s sans Poz, Davis and maybe Mitchell… everyones got a shot of earning PT during the year at LB… everyone.
Where else would you rather be?
I’ve said this before, but I believe Mitchell is a possibility for a surprise cut. I thought Ellison played well in his first game back and will make the team. He also adds more to special teams than Mitchell.
Yes, but...
Mitchell can play both ILB positions, and is the primary back-up at both spots. I’d rather have him than Ellison backing up the starters.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft Owen Marecic in 2011" campaign.
Its not that I totally disagree with you Buffalonian… but I think D J nailed it. He has the versitility to back up esentially all 4 LB spots. He could get cut… but I think he sticks for that reason.
Where else would you rather be?
Well that’s why I said it’s a possibility, because I understand the points you both have made. I think the Bills would also consider Mitchell’s salary and have to talk about the justification of paying a backup that kind of money. Der Jaeger your point is well taken on the versatility that Mitchell offers, but I’m not so sure the new alignment of the defensive scheme lends to Mitchell being able to play both spots. The responsibilities have changed, even though we see a lot of the 4-3 being played. In saying that, based on Mitchell’s skill set, the different looks the Bills seem to want to employ limit his versatility. I’m also going to make an unpopular statement, I think Ellison is better.
Yeah like I said, I didnt totally disagree with you. I guess I should have I wouldnt be 100% shocked to see Mitchell get cut… its a very good possability.
Where else would you rather be?
I'll go ahead and jump into this fray with my 2 cents.
I think Der Jaeger’s point of us keeping 10 LBs isnt that far fetched when you consider that a good portion of our LB corp are going to be guys we turn to when we want four down linemen. In a pinch or by design, Chris Ellis, Aaron Maybin, and Chris Kelsay can all definitely play with a hand on the ground and I’d wager Arthur Moats could be used if we get desperate. So that’s four guys that can handle multiple positions. Then there is Kawika Mitchell who can go inside or out at 3 of the 4 LB spots.
The only hitch in the theory that I can see is the presence of Bryan Scott who can, and will – and probably will do so well – play LB on passing downs or coverage formations.
I’d say definite locks at ILB are Poz, Kawika, and Davis. Definite locks at OLB are Ellis, Maybin, Kelsay and Torbor. Scott is a definite lock as well. Thats already 8 guys that can play LB in some capacity. I’d say we have one roster spot available after that for Moats, Ellison, or Coleman.
I think Ellison gets cut because special teams value isnt enough to keep a guy around who doesnt fit the scheme on a team looking to establish a new defensive identity. I think Coleman goes to practice squad and I think they keep Moats on board if only because someone else would snatch him up and he has decent upside and youth at a position at which Kawika and Davis are aging.
"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly"
Good point on Scott playing nickel LB. Thats actually an awesome idea. Id rather have him out there over Ellison in coverage… All I can think of Ellison in coverage is him allowing Watson to get behind him for the TD on MNF last year at the Pats… ugh.
Where else would you rather be?
Im nearly convinced
that Bryan Scott should really have an official role on this team as a nickle LB as opposed to a safety. Sure he can backup if something happens to Whitner but for the most part, Scott is a great tackler, has decent size, has great quickness for a linebacker, and great coverage skills. After witnessing his ability to shadow and shutdown tight ends in 2008, remember when he totally took Antonio Gates out of the game, I think Scott should really focus on that role and honing the skills involved.
"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly"
by poz on Sep 2, 2010 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
That's really only 8 'backers though
I know Scott will play some linebacker, but he will count as a saftey on the roster, so I think there’s 2 spots for Moats, Ellison and Coleman to battle for assuming they do decide to keep 9 which is a reasonable number.
"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby. That’s what we’ve got to do. We’ve got to show you the baby, and the baby is winning." - Buddy Nix
but the numbers
aren’t important in the narrow regard of getting to keep 9 LBs but in the broader scope of ensuring that every guy on the roster is useful. If Scott can effectively be useful as a backup safety and a nickle LB he eliminates the need to keep a LB or safety, thus opening up a roster spot for someone else more useful somewhere else, say, Joique Bell or John McCargo. Why keep 9 backers just to keep 9 backers when Scott makes that ninth man irrelevant? Bell and McCargo’s talent should get precedent over a guy just because he plays a position.
"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly"
by poz on Sep 2, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
i see what your saying...
I agree completey. I don’t want them to keep 9 just to keep 9 either. I was just thinking if 2 of 3 bubble guys you metioned played well enough to earn a spot, it wouldn’t be too hard to keep them becasue we’d really only be keeping 9 ’backers, not 10.
But i’m with you, if someone like McCargo or Bell (or both) is deserving of the spot, bye all means give it to them. I hope we keep the most talented 53 guys on the team, regardless of what position they play.
"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby. That’s what we’ve got to do. We’ve got to show you the baby, and the baby is winning." - Buddy Nix
Ellison is a worse fit for the 3-4 than Mitchell
Mitchell can take on OG. Ellison is a good player, but at 230 lbs, he’s only an option at the weakside position. Moats is also a weakside ILB option.
So, other than moving Torbor inside, Mitchell is the only player on the roster that can play the strongside ILB position that Andra Davis currently plays.
Bryan Scott could just as easily fill Ellison’s nickel LB role. Though I’d keep Ellison and Mitchell, if I had to choose, Mitchell stays.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft Owen Marecic in 2011" campaign.
why not PS for coleman?
"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly"
Moats
I’m still wondering where he falls into all of this mix in the LBer corp. I thought he looked pretty good. W/ Batten on IR, I think he’s still got a shot @ a minimum to make the PS, but not necessarily the 53 man roster.
Season Ticket Holder Sec: 312, Row: 11
"There's NO place like home when it's the Big Tree Inn"
Moats will be on the squad, he is a lock.
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Can you explain this to me? Only because I really only saw him in the first pre-season game and he looked to be struggling with a position change, especially floundering in open space. I’d think Ellison is more reliable than Moats? But, having missed some of the other pre-season games, perhaps I missed something.
He’s a draft pick, he’s improved game-to-game, and he’s real solid on special teams.
by Brian Galliford on Sep 2, 2010 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly...
I saw his issues in the first game too, but the guy can play, he needs to get comfortable at LB, but I hope he isn’t asked to cover too much, ever.
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 3, 2010 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm interested in the QB situation
Gailey said that the order entering training camp was Edwards, Fitzpatrick, Brohm. He also said that they’ve all improved so that order hasn’t really changed.
Has Levi Brown done enough to convince Gailey and Nix to cut Brohm? Or is Brown headed to the PS?
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft Owen Marecic in 2011" campaign.
Bye Brohm and Fitz?
Me thinks neither has done enough to stay to long, someone like Sage Rosenfel may be acquired. Plus, if you cut Fitz or brohm, who is going to pick them up?
Nix and Gailey
Both Nix and Gailey have said that Brown will be the third QB so this battle really is between Fitz and Brohm. Now I understand that Brohm has experience on his side as well as solid decision making skills, but he throws one of the ugliest balls I’ve ever seen. If it actually hits the receiver instead of the ground it still has a nasty wobble. Brohm has his ups and downs but I see a much higher ceiling for him than Fitz (his head hit the ceiling long ago) and if anyone can get him to reach that ceiling it’s a QB mind like Gailey. Tonight will decide it all, but I’m pulling for Brohm. I really liked him at Louisville and think he can end up a great steal for us.
by detricblackstone on Sep 2, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Why not keep just two
and put Brown on the PS. We really could use the roster spot elsewhere. If we have a game where both Trent and Fitz (or Brohm) goes down, you’ve got to think freddie or Roscoe can pintch hit. Then bring Brown up the next game.
Bell and Simpson
Their jobs might be decided by weather or not Lynch and Jackson are healthy for the first game. I think I read both of them were practicing, but will both be ready to play the first week of the season? It might force the team to keep a fourth running back to start the season even if Gaily would only like to keep three. When Lynch and Jackson are healthy, then the team might go down to three RB’s.
WR's
I do NOT see any way that James Hardy makes the team PERIOD! It’s a shame too. We were looking for a big bodied WR w/ good hands. The problem(s) I’ve seen from him from day 1, is A) He’s NEVER around the ball when a play is over unless the ball is thrown HIS way. I’ve yet to notice a decent block from yet. B) I thought that once he was taken under the wings of T.O. last season, that it would do wonders for him. He needs to learn how to use that size he has as an advantage which he’s yet to do IMO. C) His competition, beginning w/ another big body WR being Nelson, has outperformed Hardy by a mile. I do NOT see Hardy making the team. He may very well get picked up by another team (understandiby), but we’ve seen enough already. Or have we? D) He can’t stay on the field!
Season Ticket Holder Sec: 312, Row: 11
"There's NO place like home when it's the Big Tree Inn"
Hardy is done...
He had his chance and he failed.
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Moats Vs Coleman
I truly feel Ellison is a lock because this guy could be a starter maybe somewhere else and to have a starter on you ST is key, Its really going to be between these two and with Both playing 2 different positions its hard to say.
Brown Vs Brohm/Fitzy – I think they are going to cut Fitzy, the only true strentgh thats helps Fitzy is his expierience, he should be able to help Trent with in game situation, but with Chan calling plays I think this strength becomes a mute point, Brohms younger and I feel he has looked better in preseason, Brown is young and has the oppurtunity to sit behind the scenes for a couple years and get some valuable knowledge.
Bell vs Simpson – Its gotta be Bell, younger has a nose for the endzone and you know if the Bills throw him on the PS hes gunna get claimed, as for Simpson he played in the league a couple of years, he can go to a team and help them return kicks give him his release and give Bell a spot.
McCargo vs Johnson – This is the key matchup because McCargo has shown flashes, allbeit few and far between but he has shown flashes, you know what you get with Johnson high motor hard worker, willing to do the dirty work, I feel its gunna be McCargo.
I hope Naaman makes this team, I really do
"Big Gulps Eh, Well See ya later" - Lloyd Christmas
" You Gus ready To Let The Dogs Out" "What?" " you Know, Who Let the dogs out rough rough rogh rough" - Zack Galifinakis - The Hangover
Of these players, here's who I would keep:
RB: Bell, this kid just shows too much of a high ceiling to dump off. Seriously I honestly think that if kept and properly developed the Bils could have an excellent 1-2 punch of Spiller and Bell in 2-3 seasons.
OL: I’d keep both. Sure they are inexpirienced, but they’re the only depth that we have!
LBers: Ellisson is once again a keeper. He’s a nickle LB (although Scott would probably take more snaps there) but he’d be an ST captain in my eyes. Coleman should also be kept as OLB depth for the pass rush. Once again, very young and green but he’s the only depth that we have.
CB: Ellis Lankster. The kid screams ball hawk to me. Yeah he still needs to iron out his game, but he’d be a heck of an option as a 4th or 5th CB.
Cut: Hardy, Simpson, McCargo, Youboty. All but Simpson have overstayed their welcome in my book. Either for being totally unproductive or for really not being needed (Simpson).
Starcraft II: the ultimate sleep depraver.
by CanadianBillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 10:21 AM EDT reply actions
Is Spencer Johnson a lock to be in final roster? I’m not hearing anything about him and a lot about McCargo.
it is prob one or the other
and Johnson costs more
"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-
Most everyone agrees O-line & LB’s are weakest parts. After this weekend players that are cut from teams that have great OL/LB are probably better than our 2nd/3rd stringers. I’m sure LB’s cut from Pitt/Balt will be 3-4 LB & could be looked at. I’ll be scanning the waivers for RT & OLB.
I absolutely HATE having to watch so much Tennessee Oiler football.
by MtJulietTNBillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 10:51 AM EDT reply actions
IMO
Hardy, Simpson, Cary Harris & Youbouty…..also, if Brohm doesn’t light it up tonight, I think he’s gone. After what I’ve seen this preseason, I wouldn’t ming Cornell Green going the way of the DoDo as well
THAT WE GOING TO RUN OVER EVERBODY THAT STEPS IN FRONT OF THE WHAGONBLASTER - Abayarde
I wouldn’t ming Cornell Green going the way of the DoDo as well
See, that’s what has me puzzled. Brian’s depth chart shows Green and Chambers at RT. I know we have linemen who “can” play multiple spots, but, WHY is CHIX so confident in the OL personnel that they paid little/no attention to it in the draft and , now, one week from the season, we have these two as “IT” at RT? We’re one injury away from a repeat of ‘09 plus with Wood and Bell coming off year-ending injuries, one tweak, sprain, whatever and the OL is again in chaos (IMO).
I can only imagine that CHIX has an eye on the cuts Saturday, in hopes of grabbing a reinforcement or 2. But there again, we are looking at others’ castoffs in the dumpster. I do not consider their approach to the OL as ‘rebuilding". It’s status quo at best and that wasn’t good to begin with.
What we call our despair is often only the painful eagerness of unfed hope.
I think Niz expected Green to play better than he has…he wont get cut, but I agree with you about the waiver wire pickups at T. IMO, Chambers will be the one to go should they win a claim.
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
That was weird...this is what I tried to post...
I think Nix expected Green to play better than he has…he wont get cut, but I agree with you about the waiver wire pickups at T. IMO, Chambers will be the one to go should they win a claim.
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not sure how Kawika Mitchell's contract
is spread out over the 5 years and $17.5 mil, but it translates to 3.5 per. Learning something from Hard Knocks, teams aren’t paying that money out for back ups.
I dont think hes a back up in the true definition of it
I think we’ll see him and Davis rotating in a true ILB timeshare. I still love Kawika’s passion and intensity. He may not be the most talented linebacker in the world but you really can’t overrate the value of veteran leadership and intensity – it will fire up our young linebacking corp. Keep Kawika involved. There is no salary cap anyway and the team will save money during the lockout in 2011.
"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly"
He also plays both ILB positions...
so you can kind of split his salary between positions (and include STs and OLB in a pinch).
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Tough decisions...
I believe Ellison will be a surprise cut as they keep Moats and possibly Coleman.
McCargo has a new lease and will make the team at Spencer’s expense then get hurt within the 1st month.
Youboty is You-History…
Bell joins Levi on the PS, Simpson is a tough cut.
The gig is up for Hardy as he is let go in favor of Nelson, Naaman ends up on the PS.
What do the Bills have at TE besides Stupar?? Nelson is out for 4 weeks—-Nix will be scouring the waiver wire.
O-line— it’s possible that Wang goes on IR and I believe the Bills will be looking seriously at other teams cuts and who gets put on practice squads. They will add a body from another team.
"When life throws you a curve ball, that doesn’t mean you have to swing."
Who would they keep over Youboty???
Lankster has been TERRIBLE during the preseason, and Corner has been Corner. Why would either make it over Youboty? Especially since Youboty is a very good ST player that nobody talks about….
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Sep 2, 2010 12:03 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree!
Lankster has been torched repeatedly as has Corner. Corner’s pick against Cincy was as mop up as it gets against a QB that will never be a starter. Youboty has had injury trouble, but he is a solid corner in the slot who makes smart decisions, is good at press coverage and is a solid tackler. Those are three key points for a backup corner, he is going to make this team.
by detricblackstone on Sep 2, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
well said K agree totally
"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly"
The sleeper in this group is...
Lydell Sargeant a tough player that will give Youboty a run for a roster spot.
"When life throws you a curve ball, that doesn’t mean you have to swing."
Kawika Mitchell
I am not saying its going to happen nor do i really have a position on it but Mitchell could be a suprise cut, in favor of a more youthful player that they think may fit the 3-4 better such as coleman who i do really like and Moats who i also like but needs a lot more polishing in covering.
Bell-Gaileys theory
Chan Gailey said he wants as many good football players as possible and that you can never have too many, and really reitterated this point with the drafting of spiller despite the presence of lynch and jackson. Well Joique Bell is a good football player so my guess is that he finds his way onto the roster.
OL
I would’ve thought Cordaro Howard had a better shot at the roster than Allen or Hennessy since hes taken more first team reps, but havent seen him mentioned at all. I do remember Hennessey on the the goal line, and Chan had him take TE reps in practice when they were short, I think he has a good chance to stick.
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what makes them the biggest guys on the field."
- John Madden
Howard will make the team...
I think BG was stating that he is a key backup already with Meredith and Chambers, so the last spot comes down to Hennessy or Allen. I would keep both over Chambers personally.
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I just didn’t mention Howard by name, but could’ve. He’s not a lock.
by Brian Galliford on Sep 2, 2010 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Cornerbacks
Why don’t we shop one of our corners on the bubble to the Ravens who are in desperate need of a cornerback?
they already traded
with the Seahawks for Kyle Wilson for a 5th rounder.
"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly"
Yes but they can’t fix that secondary with Kyle Wilson alone. Could probably get a late round pick for Youbouty.
I say
that right now, since Corner has been playing more, is younger and is the bigger name in NFL circles because he plays so much for us, we should trade him. I think Youboty is better and I think that Corner’s size and his constantly being burned makes him disposable. What do you think?
"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly"
he'll likely fetch more than Youboty
is what I meant to conclude and just forgot to type it haha
"I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly"
But why would Corner return more in a trade then?
You say Youboty’s better, and Corner gets constantly beat, but he’ll fetch more? Me confusey.
Also, why would anybody trade for Corner. If a quality young starter like Josh Wilson brings back a 5th, Corner would bring nothing….
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Sep 2, 2010 2:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I’d trade him for an open roster spot right now… ; )
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Holy $#&*, did I just step into a time machine and come out a month ago?
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 Sep 2, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Welcome back!
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Ellison
I’m still struggling to figure out what he offers this team.
He doesn’t fit defensively at all. He’s not a shed and plug LB. He isn’t stout enough to hold up against blockers. He can’t rush the passer. And he’s gotten some reputation as a good nickel LB, yet I don’t see that at all. When has he ever proven himself in that capacity?? We’ve kept guys like Crowell, Poz and Mitchell on the field over him in recent years on 3rd downs for a reason. He’s not athletic enough to cover, and there are other more capable defenders for the nickel.
If we want a 225 lb player out there, why not the more athletic and better in coverage Scott? I don’t see a defensive role for Ellison here. Maybe we can trade him to Indy?!?!
As for Special Teams, he’s nothing to write home about. Think of the last time he’s made an impact on ST. Has he? We have plenty of other capable STs guys to have to save a spot for Ellison…
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Sep 2, 2010 12:57 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
FINALLY!
Glad someone else could finally sum up the way I feel about Ellison. He wasn’t sturdy enough for our soft “Bend-don’t-break” Tampa 2 defense, and there is no way he would bring anything significant to the table to this new defense. So why keep him, and cut a kid who could potentially be good?
"There's no substitute for guts."
~ Paul "Bear" Bryant
by MagillaGorilla1928 on Sep 2, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Im with the both of you in regards to Ellison
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
all I can say is what pressure
Guys on the bubble—no where else can they make the kind of $ like the nfl spot they’re fighting for
It was Cookie's turn to lead the "easiest exercise" during the Monday practice after a game-- he said-- "we're going to do deep breathing--everybody inhale--dehale "
Kelsay
No one is mentioning Kelsay. Why does everyone consider him a lock ?? I don’t. Would not surprise me one bit if he is cut. What has he shown????
He's a lock because he's a lock
And he’s a starter. Right or wrong, that’s just how it is. Its not like we have anybody stepping up to take his job….
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Sep 2, 2010 2:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He’s played very well this preseason. Admittedly, he’s spent most of his time at DE, but he’s looked quicker than I’ve ever seen him. He’s dependable. No way he gets cut.
by Brian Galliford on Sep 2, 2010 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Just went through the roster. Here’s how I break it down:
- 39 players are absolute mortal locks to make the team.
- Of the 14 remaining slots, 9 must be committed to ensuring proper numbers depth at each position.
- Now that I’m at 48, I simply took the five best players not in the 48 and tossed ’em on.
Will tweak according to injury only tonight, or if something blatantly good/bad happens. But right now, I think I’ve got my final 53.
Where can we put our predictions for the final 53?
This thread or another?
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I would guess
2
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 2, 2010 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions
i think fitz is in
he got a full half against bengals.
thought he played well with backup line.
wanted brohm but unless levi brown is
exposed to the waiver wire, looks like
brohm has to hit a homerun tonite or he
is finished…
but if they are high on brown, i guess it makes
sense to cut fitz or brohm…
i don’t see why they don’t start J. meredith and have green play backup. It’s a rebuilding year, see what he can do, and green stinks, cut chambers and have green do what chambers was doing. Gonna sound crazy, but i think scuba steve might get cut, he is invisible aside from his blocking, and as far as i know, that isn’t what u want your #2 WR to do best. I don’t think the “it factor” i’ve read about steve having is real.
Fresnobillsfan
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