Bills Awaiting Impact From Rookie, Free Agent Classes
by Brian Galliford on Sep 24, 2010 10:15 AM EDT
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
Email
PrintThe Buffalo Bills are re-building, and as such, we've witnessed some brutal football through the first two weeks of the NFL season. Two games might not be a fair point to begin measuring the success of the first rookie and free agent classes brought in by GM Buddy Nix, but hey - you try finding interesting things to write about regarding this team.
Free Agent class: Buffalo made it quite plain that in their modest approach to free agency, they were looking for mid-to-low-priced veterans that could start for the team for the duration of their contracts. In defensive end Dwan Edwards and linebacker Andra Davis, they appear to have found exactly what they're looking for - dependable players that will be starters now, next year and possibly beyond.
Cornell Green, on the other hand, looks like the free agent bust we all expected he'd be. He's struggled, to put it very mildly, at right tackle, and it'd be a huge upset if he ended the year as the starter there.
The team is still awaiting any sort of impact from some later free agent signings (all occurred after the March spending spree), including linebackers Reggie Torbor and Akin Ayodele, tight end David Martin and guard Kraig Urbik (who was a veteran acquisition, but was not technically a free agent addition - he came via waivers).
Rookie class: Nix wanted an impact player in the first round, but with the way his team is handling the implementation of C.J. Spiller into the offense, they haven't exactly gotten it yet. From the second round on, the Bills were looking for the best players - instant-impact and project status notwithstanding - but they appear to have gotten something of a project player with their Top 10 pick, as well.
A few rookies - all of them undrafted - have exceeded expectations, mostly because they've contributed despite their status. David Nelson has seen a solid chunk of playing time as the fourth receiver, and has performed fairly well. Donald Jones, another undrafted free agent receiver, has looked excellent in his role as a punt gunner, and lines up with Spiller to return kicks. Cordaro Howard acquitted himself about as well as could reasonably be expected at left guard in Green Bay.
I'd argue that two rookies - nose guard Torell Troup and linebacker Arthur Moats - are the only ones "meeting expectations" at this point. Troup has been steady in his limited role defensively, while Moats has been, as expected, solid on special teams.
As with Spiller, the team is still awaiting impact from tackle Ed Wang, end Alex Carrington, and undrafted outside linebacker Antonio Coleman.
Lack of impact is predominant. Yes, it's early. Yes, the judgment passed here carries very little in the way of long-term meaning. But the early returns on the first major player overhaul of the new regime aren't especially promising.
Exceeded (meager) expectations from the undrafted trio aside, only Davis, Edwards and Troup have lived up to their billing as higher-profile, instant-impact players. Spiller clearly has that ability, but for whatever reason, the team is holding him back. Most of the players brought in haven't contributed in any form, while others have barely seen the field.
Nix wasn't kidding when he said that this re-build would take a while. It'd be a major win for the Bills if, by season's end, they got a lot more production out of their first group of imported players.
173 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Carrington
I’d like to know more on Carrington – is he just developing – is he looking promising?
Spiller – tough to say he’s a project when they haven’t given him the rock yet. I’d like to see him get 15 touches in a game to see how he plays. I can’t say anything negative other than he just hasn’t had very man opportunities.
I like Edwards in FA – he’ll be solid for us. Good pickup
Listen! You smell something?
Carrington’s been inactive for two weeks. Kind of hard to say how he’s looking. :)
by Brian Galliford on Sep 24, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Any news as to why? I’d actually like to see him dress!
Starcraft II: the ultimate sleep depraver.
by CanadianBillsFan on Sep 24, 2010 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Like To See Him Dress
Enough said, CBF.
Home Of The Never Ending Rebuild (15years and counting)
by buffalobacker on Sep 24, 2010 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Check out Chris Brown’s Fan Friday feature on the Bills website right now and you will get an answer straight from Chan Gailey. Gailey says that Carrington has looked fine in practice, but because of the “numbers game” getting down to 45 active players each week they haven’t been able to use him so far, primarily because they figured they would be in nickel and dime packages so often against both Mami and GB. Gailey expects they will need more down linemen against the Jets and Carrington may see action then.
Well played sir, well played...
Starcraft II: the ultimate sleep depraver.
by CanadianBillsFan on Sep 24, 2010 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Why was Howard ahead of Urbik in the rotation last weekend? I thought Urbik was specifically brought in for that?
by quantumuprising on Sep 24, 2010 10:24 AM EDT reply actions
Because Howard was with the team for all of training camp and knows the playbook, while Urbik just arrived and doesn’t know it yet.
and it deleted more than half my post….wat??
by quantumuprising on Sep 24, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Spiller
I believe we can all agree that yes, the Buffalo Bills are a struggling football team right now. However, it is absolutely mind-boggling that CJ Spiller has yet to take on a consistent amount of carries. The offense needs to include Spiller more than it has in the first 2 games, because quite frankly when you have a talent such as Spiller, you need to utilize it. It’s fairly unheard of for a team to draft a player in the top 10 and severely limit his playing time on an offense that could clearly use his skill, stop sprinkling Spiller in and let him make some plays for the offense.
It's been said but I'll say it again...
…no running back is going to get into a “groove” with this offensive line and the defenses stacking the box if you give him 10 carries a game. Lynch and Jackson have played alright the last couple of weeks, but they would probably play even better if they were the featured back of the offense instead of splitting time. The Bills need to feature a back each week, let him get into some sort of groove. My personal favorite, as well as most of the fans here, I’m sure, is Jackson. The man has done wonders considering the line he’s played behind the last few years.
The offense needs to stay on the field.
Listening to Fitzpatricks comments about the offense. In order for all of the players, Evans, Lynch, Jackson, Parrish and Johnson. It is difficult to get production out of them when your going 3 n out. They need to find a rythm and stay on the field, just like the lone drive against the pack.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
Why
Maybin comes to my mind, #11 1st rd. He’s not setting the field on fire by any stretch of the imagination.
Home Of The Never Ending Rebuild (15years and counting)
by buffalobacker on Sep 24, 2010 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Sure Nix wasnt kidding when he would say it would take awhile.......
Maybe he was covering his arse for not being able to deliver quality talent anytime soon.
Of course when you take small school and FCS projects when a good portion of your draft………..what else do you expect?
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 10:28 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
FCS?
Actually only batten and moats came from FCS schools. good try though!
The Bills had 9 draft picks this year. Let’s assume for a second that when norcali said “small school,” he meant non-BCS.
1. Spiller, Clemson, BCS
2. Troup, Central Florida, Non-BCS
3. Carrington, Central Arkansas, FCS (formerly DI-AA)
4. Easely, Connecticut, BCS
5. Wang, Virginia Tech, BCS
6. Moats, James Madison, FCS (formerly DI-AA)
6. Batten, South Dakota State, FCS (formerly DI-AA)
7. Brown, Troy, Non-BCS
7. Calloway, Iowa, BCS
That means 5 of the 9 picks came from “small school” or FCS teams. Not only was it a “good portion,” it was actually the majority.
So, yes, norcali, it was a good try!
Formerly of thatguy34 fame.
"And the best decision of my life proved to be the day I signed with the Buffalo Bills." - Jim Kelly
by Jon Harrington on Sep 24, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Derp.
3. Carrington, Central Arkansas Arkansas State, FCS (formerly DI-AA) Non-BCS
Formerly of thatguy34 fame.
"And the best decision of my life proved to be the day I signed with the Buffalo Bills." - Jim Kelly
by Jon Harrington on Sep 24, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Well thats why I said small school "and" FCS in my regular post.
UCF and Troy and Central Arkansas arent exactly loaded with players or students……
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Exactly.
Formerly of thatguy34 fame.
"And the best decision of my life proved to be the day I signed with the Buffalo Bills." - Jim Kelly
by Jon Harrington on Sep 24, 2010 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
well
UCF has 50,000+ students… but whatevs
"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."
"If I had to do it all over again, I'd do it all over again."
by ForeignArrow on Sep 24, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
are you adding in the enrollment of ALL their regional campuses?
I think you are.
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
No
UCF is in the top 10 in total enrollment in the country. It is a commuter school, so the vast majority of their students live off campus.
by Slick Shifty on Sep 24, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
This is true
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 Sep 24, 2010 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
They also have regional schools not at the main campus which contribute to the overall enrollment numbers.....
Thus those people probably arent eligble to play football for them.
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Many major universities have regional campuses. I’m not sure if they count in the enrollment numbers or not, but it’s the same for many schools.
by Slick Shifty on Sep 24, 2010 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Well I wonder why with an enrollment that size that they play in dinky ole Conf-USA
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Because
UF, FSU, USF, FIU, FAU, to a lesser degree UNF and F A&M.
And with UGA, Ga Tech, ALA, USC, and every other SEC and ACC team picking the crop from the Florida talent bed, its hard for a lesser named school like UCF, FIU and FAU to bring in the talent from out of state. Numbers game really.
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 Sep 24, 2010 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions
and i freaking forgot to mention the U
so yea. Tons of football schools in that state and tons of recruiting from that state.
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 Sep 24, 2010 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Perhaps..........
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Football program....
isn’t as long and “storied” as the others in the state.. They have certainly come a long way, in a very short time..
Went to my first "BB" meeting today... When I stood, introduced myself, and admitted I was a Billsaholic, the other members threw beer cans at me!!
UCF has produced quite a few players
Daunte Culpepper, Marquette Smith (3rd round carolina twigged his knee), Kevin Smith, Benard Ford, Cornell Green, Asante Samuel, Michael Sims-Walker, Brandon Marshall, Shawn Jefferson just off the top of my head
Fail!!!!!
Ultimate Fail he specifically said FCS and only moats and batten came from BCS schools the other ones are 1-A regardless if they are small school or not they are 1-A if you would like i can provide espn link to listings for those who do not research before speaking!!! Besides the fact all these players havent even had a chance to show anything and can name some hall of famers from many small schools if you would like!!!!!!!
I said Small School "AND" FCS.........
I did not specfically say FCS…………
Im sorry that I didnt say Small school FBS teams…….
I probably should have posted Non BCS conferences for those that lack simple comprehension.
I guess I will have to remember that for the future.
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Its fine i just dont understand why people want to disregard picks nix made when we are 2 games in and disregard small school players or FCS players those guys have talent as well.
Because if you look at the "Successful teams"
They arent the ones spending the majority of their picks on people who didnt play at a high level (BCS calibur conference) schools.
Like I said above………when you see Baltimore, Pittsburg, Indy all taking guys from big time schools and they are winning/going to the playoffs………then you see the Bills draft the way they have been drafting lately……….its kinda easy to see where ONE of the problems are.
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Talent
Finding talent, be it small or large school is the real issue. I wouldn’t care if a player came from Devry University, as long as he could play NFL ball. Sure the big name schools have the pedigree, but theirs talent through out College ball. We just suck at finding it.
Home Of The Never Ending Rebuild (15years and counting)
by buffalobacker on Sep 24, 2010 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Well this is true too..............
But its harder to find talent when you arent looking at the schools that annually produce the best talent.
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
i hope you don’ tthink that’s the case…
Listen! You smell something?
by J2 on Sep 24, 2010 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Hell if I knew what the case was I wouldnt be posted on here.......
and I’d be leading the damn Bills to glory!!!!
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, rec'd.
Baltimore is a great example of this, especially this past draft….
"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 Sep 24, 2010 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s a lot of exclamation points. You should probably relax a little bit. :-)
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Sep 24, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
FAIL!!!!!
Ultimate Fail he specifically said FCS and only moats and batten came from BCS schools
ULTIMATE FAIL!!! Only Moats and Batten came from FCS schools – not BCS schools.
Here’s a link to a list of the Division I FCS schools for those who do not research before speaking!!!
See, everyone is capable of being childish, but it doesn’t make the conversation as constructive, huh?
Formerly of thatguy34 fame.
"And the best decision of my life proved to be the day I signed with the Buffalo Bills." - Jim Kelly
by Jon Harrington on Sep 24, 2010 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Thats why I said "Small School" and FCS.
Troy (Levi) and Ark St (Carrington)…………..
Fact 1 – Over Half the Picks were from BCS schools………
Fact 2 – Only 2 of those people are on the roster at the moment (and Spiller is the only one playing)
Go look at a team like Baltimore…………The “smallest” school they picked from was Utah/Byu
Now Im no expert…….but maybe THIS is why Baltimore is in the playoffs practially every year……while the Bills arent.
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
over half were-not*
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Of all the Players taken in 1st round
Jerry Hughes – Pick 31 to the Colts was the only player selected form a small school TCU
Of all the players taken in the 2nd round
2 Players were taken from small schools – Torrel Troupo & Linval Joseph
Of all the 3rd round players
4 players were taken from small schools – Alex Carrington, Jared Veldheer, Andre Roberts, Armanti Edwars
and so on and so forth but do you see the trend Buddy likes his small school standouts, and who knows maybe it will pan out but right now these kids are showing their greenness
"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 24, 2010 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I thought they werent showing anything.......
because thats kinda the point of this post by Brian.
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Ultimately
It matters less where a player is from than whether or not they can ball. That’s not to say a BCS player is not more prepared because let’s face it, the jump in talent is less than that of a smaller school player. My point is that I don’t give a damn where you played college as long as you can play in the NFL. It’s up to Buddy and Co. to make sure they hit on their picks regardless. Buddy even spoke to that (can’t find/ don’t remember specifically) before.
by Malfimus on Sep 24, 2010 5:07 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Baltimore is in the playoffs...
Because they pick guys we should draft at the top. sigh…
I am not sold on this view
but I would be lying if I said it didn’t cross my mind…..
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 Sep 24, 2010 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont know if its the case or not.......
Im just theorizing (sp?? or even a word? I dunno)
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
We could really use the two guys on IR
In reflecting on this year’s draft class it’s important to remember Marcus Easley and Danny Batten, who are both on IR. We need good WR’s who can get open, along with pass-rushing OLB’s who can cover, and Easley and Batten were looking like they were going to be able to fill those roles, if not immediately then by mid-season. Our view of the rebuilding effort might be a little more positive if they were around. It’s also unfortunate that Ed Wang has been out with an injury for so long, though in his case I doubt he would have been able to contribute much this year and I also have doubts about how good he will be in the long-run.
Using last year as a reference
Byrd didn’t start making plays until week 5 when he got his first Int. Wait till midseason for the rookies, by then the ones who get playing time should be settled in
Isn't it about getting used to the speed of the game.
Byrd is a perfect example of what an early draft pick deals with. They need to get used to the speed of the game then apply their athleticism to their trade.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
That and Byrd was getting over an injury.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Sep 24, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Good point. Most rookies, even great ones, usually don’t actually start showing up until about a third of the ay threw the season, if not later.
Patience is a virtue folks, better start learning it!
Starcraft II: the ultimate sleep depraver.
by CanadianBillsFan on Sep 24, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Easley
Its a shame he went down, because i think we have had a big impact, and probably fight stevie j for the #2 spot.
Shun the non Billievers!
Easley was a pretty sizable project
It’s doubtful he would have been battling for a starting job at this point.
~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."
Ha
Look at his compeition. The guy has a lot of talent, albeit raw talent. With a strong preseason and some polishing i think he wouldve demanded some playing time.
Shun the non Billievers!
Name me a WR
Not named Maques Colston who has made a major impact as a rookie drafted below the second round in the last 10 years?
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Sep 24, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Austin Collie
Just last year, 4th rd pick by the Colts.
"Pressure is when you don't prepare, and I know I've prepared myself..."
-C.J. Spiller
Notice something that those two have in common?
How about HOF QB’s.
Starcraft II: the ultimate sleep depraver.
by CanadianBillsFan on Sep 24, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly my point CBF
thanks for the assist.
The general target for a drafted WR to make an impact is year 3, year 2 is a pleasant surprise.
As a rookie it is rare unless you already have a great QB and a high octane offense.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Sep 25, 2010 3:01 AM EDT up reply actions
uh really?
How about:
Miles Austin
Wes Welker
up and coming Kevin Walter
Hines Ward
Brandon Marshall
Donald Driver
Do i really need to go on?
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 Sep 24, 2010 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
and i just realized you said made an impact as a rookie
so that list doesnt apply really. So yea. Either way great Wr’s drafted after round 2…..
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 Sep 24, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Waiting it out
I know (trust me, I know, having been a Bills fan for 21 years), that it’s really hard to have patience. I love this article, if for no other reason than it credits the UFAs that have had impacts, as well as Moats and Troup (two players I’m particularly excited about moving forward), but it does bring something to light. We need to have patience with the rookie class.
Rookies have impacts quicker on other teams because, quite frankly, other teams are better. A team with few leaders on offense and low expectations will have a harder time getting rookies to perform, if for no other reason than they have nothing to live up to. If Lynch were rushing for 5.0 YPC and had scored two touchdowns by now, Spiller would have more to live up to. If we had an explosive pass rush from our defensive front, Troup would have more to live up to. It has to be hard to perform at your peak when you’re playing on a team with such low expectations. Even the Lions (a team we’re compared to a lot, unfortunately) have expectations this year, from themselves and from the media. No wonder Best is getting carries and being a high impact player from the get go.
Have patience. The winning culture comes slowly. I know, I know, it’s hard to have patience for more years than the last ten, when we’ve seen the Bills spiral downward to their current position among the bottom of the NFL, but we’ve reached the bottom. It can only go up from here. So have some patience for the rookies, and give it a few weeks. We’ll probably see some bigger impacts as the season moves forward.
by stetzwebs on Sep 24, 2010 11:02 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
great post
i almost put up a fanpost about how folks around here need to relax.
i had miami as the division winner and most people believe green bay will represent the NFC in the superbowl…. and now we’re all losing our heads about two losses, calling for immediate trades and calling spiller a bust. its absurd!
chan himself told the players that they were going to get it right, whether it takes two games, five games, eight games, or more. but they will get it right and we shouldn’t freak over two early losses to good freakin teams.
why isn’t buddy pulling this trade or that one? or signing this guy? because we will build through the draft. because we’re not filling holes, we’re rebuilding and we’re finally supposed to be admitting that!!!
so relax people! there are actually a lot of positives to be seen if you understand it as a rebuilding effort: d. bell, troup, mckelvin…
also to keep in mind.
better teams than us are 0-2: minnesota, dallas and san fran.
minnesota, interestingly enough, also lost to the dolphins.
there are still 14 more games this year, lets not write those off. especially in a very competitive division.
Uh.....I wouldnt say Minnesota is a great team........
better than us, definitely, but they lost to the SB champ, and the team that beat us.
Miami apparently isnt that bad, especially on defense.
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
That was last year.................
They have talent…..but they have no direction……..and Brett Favre is the puppet master.
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
haha
im not really a fan of his anymore and they need to ride AP much more this year but if you look at their actual performance last year Favre took a few weeks to really warm up after missing preseason. that and two of his picks were mistakes by the receivers. they’ll right that ship.
and we have a chance to do the same.
Rice being out
is really hurting the Vikes.
He was Favre’s go to guy.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Sep 24, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
dude
Miami was not good in that game. That entire loss rests on Favre’s shoulders. Seriously. Dude was just trying to throw that game away. Favre looks like hes going through the motions and really doesnt want to be there.
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 Sep 24, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s true, but those “better teams than us” at least put up a fight offensively. We’ve been disgusting, and it’s not like we played amazing defenses either. Yes, Green Bay and Miami are above average defensively, but we should have been able to move the ball better than that.
I just think that on a team this young, jumping to crazy conclusions after 2 weeks is premature. I don’t necessarily agree with benching Edwards either, but if Fitz opens up the passing game so that Spiller can get some touches where he isn’t hit in the backfield, I’m for it.
Buddy needs to make a trade to open some space in the backfield
And thats not a panicky thing, i agree whole heartedly with you we need to be patient as a fan base but when you say the #9 pick needs time to develop why in the heck did you pick him @ #9 then Spiller needs touches and the only way to do that while staying effective is trading Marshawn to Green Bay for Chillar or Jones or Buluga or a pick.
"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 24, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Disagree
The Bills players have very high expectations for themselves and you can see it in the way they play. We may not like the end result of their play but they are playing hard, with attitude, and swagger, like a team that believes they belong out there with any opponent. That’s a credit to the coaches and the players… as long as they’re busting their butts, I got no problem with them. Then it just boils down to talent… and if they keep adding over the next few years the team should end up being pretty good. Just have to avoid the “status quo” syndrome from the last batch of coaches, thinking certain positions are settled when they are really not. I think Gailey got his rude awakening with certain players on the roster so far as to what they “should” have been capable of doing (Edwards, Kelsay, Bell, Cornell Green, soon-to-be Fitzpatrick).
"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."
"If I had to do it all over again, I'd do it all over again."
by ForeignArrow on Sep 24, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Bell? The guy is one of the lone bright spots on that line. Everytime he sits for a snap Meridith gives up a sack or a pressure. Are people just pissing on Bell because of last year, or because he is getting outplayed this year? Cause I haven’t seen it.
Kelsay? Yeah, he is overpaid. Yeah, he shouldn’t be covering TEs down the field. But as far as OLBs he is about as good as we got. Especially at the LOS.
I agree on Green and Edwards, but Bell seems to be the most consistent linemen so far this year. I’m not sure why its so in vogue to blame him for the o-line’s problems.
by greysquirrel on Sep 24, 2010 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
ya – I wish Ron would do his line breakouts – but I can understand not doing them – it’s gonna be a long year
Listen! You smell something?
Line play is so hard to diagnose well, thats why its easy for us casual observers to fall into confirmation bias (we like Levitre and Wood, don’t like the tackles). But when I’ve tried to find the culprit, I see a lot of breakdowns on the interior where blocking responsibilities have been jumbled by a line stunt or a delayed blitz. Some screens failed because the guards missed their blocks out in front. As much as I want to think its an isolated problem, this unit isn’t playing well as a whole. One guy isn’t going to fix it.
Mind you, no one looks worse than Meridith (he makes more bad plays per game than Green and he is on the field a lot less, he is disturbing. I pine for J. Scott as a swing tackle nowadays).
by greysquirrel on Sep 24, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Its because he's the LT
and its gotten out of control trendy to think that the LT dictates the capabilities and successes of the entire line.
Enjoying my annual three months of optimism.
by Trashplate on Sep 24, 2010 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
well...
watch Buffalo’s 1st 2 games and you’ll see on just about every snap the edge-rushers are up the filed and ready to high 5 each other at Trent, that’s not an interior problem. Where the interior line is lacking is executing in space… particularly on screens. I haven’t seen a team be so bad at screens for so long, ever.
"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."
"If I had to do it all over again, I'd do it all over again."
by ForeignArrow on Sep 24, 2010 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ve tried to do better than that. I watch carefully to see what the problem is, and its usually not Bell. 1) He isn’t always the LT. And 2) just because a rusher gets pressure from the outside doesn’t mean the tackle blew it. Trent doesn’t do a great job of stepping up or reading the blitz. Bell does a decent job of holding off his man. When I try to figure out who is responsible for a sack I haven’t come up with Bell yet. I’m not recording every play like some guys, but anecdotally I can’t remember it being Bell.
And I agree with your point on screens. These guys run out there and miss blocks like mad. Doesn’t make spiller look good when the LB is blowing past the guard. But they blow stunts a lot too. They don’t communicate or switch well, which leads me to believe the fix is more holistic than one player.
by greysquirrel on Sep 24, 2010 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions
kelly said a lot of the oline issues are mental right now. scheme change can take a while to learn…
Listen! You smell something?
by J2 on Sep 24, 2010 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Well
You have now:)
Home Of The Never Ending Rebuild (15years and counting)
by buffalobacker on Sep 24, 2010 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
mmmm
Gailey and Nix were both relying on Bell to be the answer at LT. Left tackle is not a position where you can plug in an average offensive lineman. They thought they could coach him up into a really good one… he’s still average, and it shows. He holds his own, but at that particular spot you need a dominant player, not someone who holds his own. Both of Buffalo’s bookends are more like paper-clips, and you can probably bet that one of their “best available” guys next year will miraculously be “available” in the first 2 rounds of the draft. I’m also not happy about them REDUCING Chris Ellis’s playing time after he had a strong game simply because one of those ever-annoying mediocre veterans became healthy (Torbor).
"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."
"If I had to do it all over again, I'd do it all over again."
by ForeignArrow on Sep 24, 2010 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Plenty of teams have won with average LTs, KC Joyner wrote a whole book about it. It’s important, but Bell isn’t the one giving up sacks. So I don’t like bagging on him, he is far from being the missing piece on this team.
Plus, he has upside. Replacing Bell with another rookie LT that has upside costs us a draft pick and doesn’t fix anything. My only concern with Bell is can he stay healthy and keep getting better. Otherwise, he really isn’t the primary problem on this line and there aren’t any better solutions.
by greysquirrel on Sep 24, 2010 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions
keep up the good oline analysis greysquirrel – we love stuff like that here
Listen! You smell something?
by J2 on Sep 24, 2010 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
"Woodchuck to GreySquirrel, come in GreySquirrel"
I totally agree with your assesment of Bell. I recorded the games and re-watched them w/ a focus on the Oline. Bell has been okay at run-blocking, but he has actually been very good at pass blocking. TE was not stepping up when he needed to which created undue pressure. Bell lets his man rush outside and Bell lets him go, pushing him very deep in the backfield, the QB should not be there. Green has been okay at run blocking, not impressed with him at all, but he has been atrocious at pass blocking, I counted 3 sacks against him so far. As much as I like Levitre, he has not played well consistently in any phase of the game. Hangman is below average (still better than his predecessors) but he is routinely getting moved backwards into the play or pulling guard. Wood has been decent in all phases, but he completely misses blocks sometimes where he is not in the right place, like when a DE will stunt in behind the DT going wide, Wood will be flat-footed and not be ready for the DE coming at him. Just my 2 cents.
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 24, 2010 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice
Sounds like you have been paying better attention than me. I agree Bell is better at pass-blocking than run-blocking. Thats one reason why I question the idea of moving him to RT. His strengths are more geared toward being a pass-blocking LT. Green is without a doubt the worst starter. Maybe Meridith would be okay at RT, but when he is in at LT terrible things happen.
I struggle to ascertain blame on some of the inside protection problems, but it’s pretty clear that they are there and that it tends to happen where there is more movement up front. We like to think the interior is okay because we put some draft picks there, but so far this season they have been inconsistent. I just hope it is more mental/new schemes like J2 said than we have the wrong guys.
by greysquirrel on Sep 24, 2010 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I just hope it is more mental/new schemes like J2 said than we have the wrong guys.
well it’s definately both – it’s the scheme change and we don’t have the guys – obviously RT is just a open gap at this point.
Listen! You smell something?
by J2 on Sep 24, 2010 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, Nice
Don’t wanna forget about our rookies and Hang rather than focusing solely on tackle play. Were not that good across the line, not just tackle. Looking forward to Uribak getting some starter reps. I think he’s a good prospect for our line.
Home Of The Never Ending Rebuild (15years and counting)
by buffalobacker on Sep 24, 2010 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn't say anything about not trading a running back
I agree it’s a viable option. And I agree Spiller should be getting more touches. But that doesn’t change the fact that we need to be more patient with him. And no, I don’t think some of the Bills players are playing with high expectations of themselves. Edwards and Green come to mind. At least they aren’t playing like it.
All I was saying is that rookies on better teams have more to live up to with the talent and expectations around them.
Free C.J. Spiller.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Sep 24, 2010 11:05 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
ha
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 24, 2010 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions
instant-impact players. Spiller clearly has that ability
I’m not convinced of that. I see him brought down on first contact too often. He looks like someone you have to design special plays for, to get him moving forward in space.
exactly
i think it just our desparation and hype which is translating to “potential” that spiller has…
let him show something before blaming the coaching staff… maybe they are just bad scouters and over-estimated spiller… maybe he is just not good…
for me, best has already proven spiller was a waste at no.9
by statcruncher on Sep 24, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I like Spiller, a lot
But I was one of the people who were really shocked when he was drafted that high. He’s fast, but he’s not blazing fast. His style reminds me of Reggie Bush. I pray to God he ends up being better than Reggie Bush. Anyway, he’s on the team regardless, so that’s neither here nor there. But don’t know if he’s talented enough to ever carry an offense.
"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."
"If I had to do it all over again, I'd do it all over again."
by ForeignArrow on Sep 24, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
"He’s fast, but he’s not blazing fast." ?
Think I have to disagree here…unless for some reason his speed doesn’t translate to the football field, but:
CJ Spiller was a three-time All-American in track while at Clemson, and this is his bio from 08-09 track season:
Track (2008-09): Outdoor – Ran the second leg on Clemson’s 4×100m relay team that finished third in the nation with a time of 38.77, so that gave him All-America honors…13th in the nation in the 100m with a time of 10.30…ran the second leg of Clemson’s victorious 4×100m relay team at the NCAA East Regional…qualified for the 100m at the NCAA national meet as an at-large entry…earned All-ACC honors in the 100m when he finished second at the league meet to teammate Jacoby Ford…established a personal best in the 100m (10.22) and 200m (20.91) at the Orange & Purple Classic…Indoor – Finished seventh at the ACC Championships in the 60m.
"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 Sep 24, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
established a personal best in the 100m (10.22) and 200m (20.91
i can verify – that’s FAST. would have blown me out of the water in HS with my 11.2 100 – hahahaha
Listen! You smell something?
by J2 on Sep 24, 2010 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Geesh
I thought I was fast at 11.4. But a guy from bigger school, schooled me, running a 10.2, if my memory is still to be believed. Oh, and thats was before meters, it was 100 yard dash!
Home Of The Never Ending Rebuild (15years and counting)
by buffalobacker on Sep 24, 2010 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Really?!?
for me, best has already proven spiller was a waste at no.9
Boy that was fast, maybe I should have you look at some of my long-term investments to see if I am wasting my money. I just bought a couple hundred shares and they lost a few cents over the last two weeks. I should probably dump them now right? Cut my losses? Seriously man. I rooted for J. Best being a life-long Cal-Bears fan, but they are so similar that it would be ridiculous to say Spiller is a waste at #9, maybe Detroit just got a player who should have been taken in the top 10 (and probably would have had it not been for a crazy play that caused a concussion).
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 24, 2010 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Majeski, Modrak, Spiller
Referring to Brian’s scouting org chart here
I note Majeski and Modrak have been around for nearly this entire decade, a decade not marked by the keenest drafting. How and why are they still around? I ask that seriously.
And I’m not sure why anyone’s surprised about Spiller. This is what happens when you draft at your deepest position, already two pro-bowlish deep. Is anyone really surprised a rookie hasn’t got a ton of PT in that situation? What’s surprising is the pick in the first place . . .
by Job 7:6 on Sep 24, 2010 11:14 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Regarding Cornell Green
Does anyone recall the two other FA tackles that were brought in for a potential contract and ended up joining another team? Obviously, this was prior to training camp. I was wondering what thier status is now and if they are contributing as starter’s and what positions they are playing?
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
Todd Wade and he signed with the Texans I believe and I forget the other
"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 24, 2010 12:03 PM EDT reply actions
Todd Wade is retired.
You mean Wade Smith who is an interior lineman by trade but has played outside in a pinch.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Sep 24, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought we brought in two different tackles.
They may have been swing offensive lineman at that though. Either way I believed they were much more sought after than our Cornell Green. It’s a hind sight question I am trying to apply to reasons why we have struggled getting interest from the FA market for our tackle position. I am leaning towards Trent Edwards as the reason, but am aware there could be plenty of alternative reasons none of which are worth revisiting.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
We should have kept Incognito. RFA tender is a pretty cheap option to check a guy out for a full year and interior experience is one of our problems.
I think interior experience is the least of our problems. I’d go to war with Levitre and Wood any day.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Sep 24, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Its not our biggest problem, but its not the least of our problems either. And this was an easy and relatively cheap way to address it. Sure, we have talented starters. But experience is different than athleticism.
Wood just came off one of his worst games. I watch this line and besides Green the talent is there, but they are disorganized. Stunts screw these guys up big time. That’s why I think having an interior lineman on the roster that isn’t a rookie (Howard) or a second year pro without any experience (Urbik), would be beneficial. All we had to do was extend the RFA, no big whoop.
by greysquirrel on Sep 24, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
He was kicked out by the Rams, who don’t have the greatest OL either. I don’t think Incognito would be making any different on this team right now in a positive way. But that’s just my opinion.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Sep 24, 2010 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m not saying the guy’s a savior, but I worry we have one of the least experienced line in the league. These protection breakdowns are a product of that. A veteran presence might be nice if it could educate these young guys. I just don’t know of who else we could have gotten.
If he can start for the Dolphins he is good enough to back-up our guys. Seems better than scouring the waiver wire or projects like Howard.
I’d blame the o-line coach, but he deserves some time.
by greysquirrel on Sep 24, 2010 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Really
the dolphins will be 2-4 before you know it.
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 Sep 24, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Howard was an UDFA…and I personally like what I see from him so far.
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 24, 2010 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed, Rec'd
Young and promising, hope he can improve but played his heart out when called upon.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
I’d go to war with Levitre and Wood any day.
But I sure would have rather had Incognito out there last week rather than Cordaro Howard.
There's not a wide receiver who is fast enough, that J.P. Losman can't overthrow him on a fly pattern.
by The Buffalo Kid on Sep 24, 2010 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
It's a long season and we're just at the start of it. It's also going to be a long rebuilding process....
blah, blah, blah. Now where’s my liquor?
;-)
Starcraft II: the ultimate sleep depraver.
by CanadianBillsFan on Sep 24, 2010 12:06 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Maybin
Least we forget, I’m still waiting on Maybin to be a contributor on this team…
Home Of The Never Ending Rebuild (15years and counting)
It's only week 2...
give him some time…wait…we drafted him last year, didn’t we…nevermind.
ugh
by Slick Shifty on Sep 24, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
He's shown improvement
He’s also switching defensive schemes. The whole defense needs time to adjust, especially second year pros who didn’t start last year.
I agree, he has shown improvement.
Although small steps, but by mid season and a year behind him it will be interesting evaluating him over the final 8 games.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
Improvement?
I’m just not seeing it. He bull rushes. I havent seen him beat the OT on the edge, a swim move, twist, stunt…anyone? I have not seen him do anything but get absorbed by the OT. He needs to get seperation and maintain a distant from the OT and beat them with his speed. It isnt happening. IMO he has not shown ANY improvement from his rookie season. It is almost as if his ego makes him try to constantly try to beat the OT head on…it is really odd to watch.
He has shown some new counter-moves...
he also beat some Olinemen with the moves, but the ball was out of the QBs hands anyway.
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 24, 2010 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I SERIOUSLY doubt anyone here forgot that. He was, however, inherited.
by Brian Galliford on Sep 24, 2010 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd take UNDER all day long.
June Jones is my daddy.
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 24, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
In watching tape on him, he seems to think his job is to hold up the OL in front of him, not sack the QB. The string bean (albeit a very muscular one) has no other move but a bull rush. When facing a 340lbs tackle who outweights you by 100lbs I would think that isnt the best option. But still he presses on…literally. I will say his season total will be 0-1, so under.
Over...
Act like a sober human being, not a drunk Internet username. -- Brian Galliford
by NorCal BillsFan on Sep 24, 2010 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Over
6+ sacks this year. The lightbulb comes on.
"Adversity is an opportunity for heroism." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Sep 24, 2010 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybin a casulty of our OL?
It occurs to me he may be another (unreported) casulty of our terrible offensive line. How is a pass rusher supposed to develop practicing against the guys we have?
Good teams stay good not only because of their FO, but because their new players practice against players at a high level, and vice versa for bad teams.
Not saying this is the only problem with Maybin, just a thought.
My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.
Yeah
Yep, it all adds up.
Home Of The Never Ending Rebuild (15years and counting)
by buffalobacker on Sep 24, 2010 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Spiller
CJ will not get the proper playing time until either Fred Jackson or Lynch are traded, cut or their contract expires. Rotating in 3 “starting” running backs only dilutes the performance of the group as a whole because no one gets into a “groove”. Add to that the lack of confidence and uncertainty it creates in the group. IMHO, the Bills ARE trying to unload one of the running back, that being Lynch it appears, and when that happens we will see Spiller get the appropriate amount of player time, but not until then. It is very frustrating watching this FO work at a snails pace to make any decisions. IMO this team would have been better served to trade away the rights to Lynch for the draft picks, have Fred the starter, CJ the back up and have Bell as the 3rd option. That would have been ideal.
Maybe they haven't gotten a decent offer for Lynch.
Maybe they want a 3rd-round pick and the best offer was a 5th. Maybe if Lynch can have a productive year and stay out of trouble, then a trade would fly. I hate to say it but… patience.
"This is a tough gayem for tough peepole." -- Chan Gailey
"The Bills will be bad, but Chan Gailey can fake it pretty good." --Jason Cole before the 2010 season.
by Backup to Farve's Backup on Sep 24, 2010 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Lynch Trade Offers...
It is my understanding that they were offered a 3rd and a 4th or 5th for him pre-draft and were holding out for a 2nd round selection. I cannot find the source I read this information, someone with a larger vault on Lynch could I am sure, but that is what I read. IMO they were shooting too high and should have taken this offer, if it was offered, and moved on. Our one strength wouldnt be so up in the air and would instead be an asset. Fred getting 15-20 carries a game, CJ getting 10+ and Bell getting 3-5 to spell Fred. Not this constant, “so who is going to be the starting running back this week?”
It is getting old for us as fans and I am sure old for the players involved. Enough already. DECIDE…lol…gotta love the bills…the more things change, the more they stay the same…we have no problem at running back, so lets create one.
Before the draft, we didn’t have Spiller, and there’s no way to know that we would at that time. So trading Lynch for a 3rd would have pissed me off.
"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 Sep 24, 2010 6:32 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
RB
What strikes me as being odd is why were not using our “three pronged attack” running game? I know we gotta do both pass/run, but if we can establish one, the other would follow. Three backs down their throats would seem to be our strength. Kinda confusing gameplans but hopefully Chan knows what he’s doing, its early…. i think we’re not utilizing our one strong point, RB…
Home Of The Never Ending Rebuild (15years and counting)
draft strategy
No one is gonna be right more than half the time on draft picks. NE’s strategy of stockpiling picks in rounds 2 to 4 gives them the best chance of finding talent. They typically have nearly twice the number of picks in these rounds — the most important rounds — than everyone else. Your odds go up enormously if you can do that. I was disappointed when Nix didn’t trade out of the first round for this reason, once it was clear there was no tackle or qb worthy of the pick. But maybe no one wanted to take the other side of the deal. And of course if Spiller becomes our own Chris Johnson eventually, i’ll take it back.
"This is a tough gayem for tough peepole." -- Chan Gailey
"The Bills will be bad, but Chan Gailey can fake it pretty good." --Jason Cole before the 2010 season.
by Backup to Farve's Backup on Sep 24, 2010 3:51 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
True
But its the Rd 1 picks were not so good at. Either bad luck, or bad research, we seem not to take advantage of getting a blue chip type player in 1st rd. Sorry but Maybin is my example. Weird draft this year, considering our needs, but easy to second quess.
Home Of The Never Ending Rebuild (15years and counting)
by buffalobacker on Sep 24, 2010 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Good observations Brian, rec'd
I really think the minimal contributions the Bills are currently receiving from off-season additions is staggering, especially on a team that is so bad, and with a coaching/GM change. I pray that as the year goes on, the rookies contribute more…but I just don’t see it…besides CJ Spiller.
"WHEN THE WAGON BLASTER TAKES OFF dont try to get in. THE SPACESES ARE LIMITED FOR WINNING ATTITUDE GODZILLA IS COMING GET READY" - abayarde
I really think the minimal contributions the Bills are currently receiving from off-season additions is staggering
I can understand those preaching patience, calm, understanding, etc., but, this is a telling fact and the fact that it’s 2 weeks into the season means little. If the talent on this team was so poor (and it was/still is), how is it that none of the draft picks is making any impact (playing regularly)? Look at what Gailey said about Carrington. “We haven’t been able to use him so far”. WHAT? Is he kidding? There has not been any incremental upgrade from last year and a case can be made for some regression.
We are being told they’re “building” but are they building a sand castle or pouring a concrete foundation and ordering a bunch of cement blocks? So far, it looks like a sand castle and the tides comin’ in.
What we call our despair is often only the painful eagerness of unfed hope.
by fansince60 on Sep 24, 2010 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So far, it looks like a sand castle and the tides comin’ in.
So far, meaning after 2 weeks? It is WAY too early to judge something like that. As I said in an earlier post, rookies are making impacts on other teams because there is a stronger foundation there. Our foundation is basically non-existent. Give it some time.
No, not 2 weeks. They have been at this since January. I cannot accept that no progress has taken place. I’m in no way expecting “mega-progress”. A baby step would be nice. But, the Carrington situation is an example. The change to a 3-4 was heralded when CHIX took over. Yet, 9 months and a draft later, Carrington isn’t even dressing because “they haven’t been able to use him so far”! And we have to watch Kelsay chase TEs and losing the chase by 3-4 yards. As fans, we have to give it time. We have no choice. But, for goodness sake. There is not one addition that is panning out? According to Gailey, he “saw something” Spiller was doing and dialed back his involvement. Our #1 pick in April and now he sees something?
As Joe P. said the other night, “CHIX prove me wrong, please!” I echo that. I’m “patiently” waiting to be proven wrong. So far, it’s a no go.
What we call our despair is often only the painful eagerness of unfed hope.
Yup, this makes me puke too
“Carrington isn’t even dressing because "they haven’t been able to use him so far"! And we have to watch Kelsay chase TEs and losing the chase by 3-4 yards. "
With you all the way on that bro.
Put in Carrington! Or admit you blew the pick!
But we will never know if the kid doesn’t get to play.
"Adversity is an opportunity for heroism." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Sep 24, 2010 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I've been saying this all week
I know it’s early, but the fact that our 3rd round pick can’t get on the field, our second round pick is used only situationally behind (perhaps) our best lineman, our 1st round pick has had his playing time cut to less than 50%, our 4th, 5th, and 6th picks are injured, our 7th rounders have been cut. Moats has been the most valuable as a 6th round special teamer. Wow.
Perhaps the assessment of the rookies (thus far) would have been different if Easley, Wang and Batten were healthy.
However, it seems to me the college scouting staff needs to join the rest of the Bills’ 2009 staff as outsiders to the future of the Bills.
WHY ARE THEY NOT YET FIRED?
by Tom LeValley on Sep 24, 2010 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Beats me. But 2 weeks is still not enough time to make a judgment on the rookie class, for the same reasons I stated above. It’s a shame that we didn’t find someone to “fix” one of the holes in this team in 2 weeks. But did anyone expect us to? If they did, they are as foolish as the people claiming that we could compete this year.
Great Patience
Home Of The Never Ending Rebuild (15years and counting)
by buffalobacker on Sep 24, 2010 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
OK
But this isn’t the begining of a long drought of no play-off appearances. We were expecting this, I thought? This is chan’s FIRST year of a supposed re-build (15 yrs. and counting), I know. But give the guy a break, he hasn’t even unpacked yet and he’s the new “fall guy” for what ails Buffalo…
Home Of The Never Ending Rebuild (15years and counting)
by buffalobacker on Sep 24, 2010 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions
As I said above, “CHIX , prove me wrong, please!” I think Gailey’s comment about Carrington, however, provides the opposite. With our dirth of talent, how can you say you haven’t been able to use the guy so far? Why did you draft him? Are the Bills in a position to afford the luxury of keeping draft picks on the shelf? Read Brian’s comment above:
Carrington’s been inactive for two weeks. Kind of hard to say how he’s looking. :)
Doesn’t that wear your patience thin? My expectations were low, but, if we’re going no where (playoffs) why not see what we have? What will Carrington learn being inactive?
It’s like being 3-12, it’s the last game of the season and instead of going for it on 4th down you punt. What’s the point?
What we call our despair is often only the painful eagerness of unfed hope.
With our dirth of talent, how can you say you haven’t been able to use the guy so far?
Well, DE is our second-deepest position after RB. Dwan Edwards, Marcus Stroud, and Spencer Johnson are all in front of him. McCargo has the versatility to play DT in the 4-3 looks. Also, Carrington is coming from a DRAMATICALLY lower level of competition. It’s not unfathomable to think that his adjustment period might be a little long.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
by WhyBillsWhy on Sep 25, 2010 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions
that’s my point. WHY use a draft pick for someone from a “DRAMATICALLY lower level of competition” for our “second-deepest position”? Why use the number nine pick on a position where we have 2 established RBs? Spiller is virtually on the shelf next to Carrington. I know, I know BPA (Spiller). Well, in our case, we could have had the BPA for a need position. If we’re going to build through the draft, and we draft like this, the rebuild will take more years than any one would imagine. The draftees we took in ‘10 will be done with their contracts before then. And we’ll be back to square one.
What we call our despair is often only the painful eagerness of unfed hope.
by fansince60 on Sep 25, 2010 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
we could have had the BPA for a need position
i can’t say how much I disagree with that
Listen! You smell something?
by J2 on Sep 25, 2010 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Because they like his skill set and think he’s going to anchor the position for a number of years. I’m sure they imagine he just needs to get used to the speed of the game. I can’t argue whether or not that’s a good decision. I’m just saying it’s not as illogical as you’re making it out to be. Pick a guy that has dominated his position, someone that has a winning psyche, and then have them take their attitude to a higher level of competition. I understand the appeal to the FO when trying to turn around a losing culture like we have here.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
Brain said,
“(all occurred after the March spending spree), ….”
Now that’s pretty funny.
No, wait.
That’s pretty sad. Very sad.
"Adversity is an opportunity for heroism." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Sep 24, 2010 5:24 PM EDT reply actions
Next Year
I like Ryan Mallett @ #1 for Buffalo next draft!
by circlethawagons on Sep 24, 2010 7:52 PM EDT reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Buffalo Rumblings
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- The Shutdown Corner Podcast: Greg Cosell on the NFC South Draft
- BREAKING: Tim Tebow did not become a great quarterback today
- Jerry Jones says Cowboys championship window is closing; Tony Romo disagrees
- Lawrence Taylor was told his Super Bowl ring was bought by Charlie Sheen
- Chad Ochocinco gets robbed, mourns loss of Starbucks gold card
