Five Biggest Bills Story Lines As Preseason Ends
by Brian Galliford on Sep 3, 2010 9:43 AM EDT
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
Email
PrintThe Buffalo Bills finished their preseason schedule with a 28-23 loss Thursday night to the Detroit Lions. Buffalo finishes their summer slate with a 2-2 record, some cautious optimism surrounding the offense, and a host of question marks defensively and along both lines. These are, in my humble opinion, the five biggest story lines surrounding the team with training camp and the preseason in the books (in no particular order).
This is Trent Edwards' team. Chan Gailey planned on having an open quarterback competition, but Edwards was so far ahead of the field right out of the gate that he was the only QB to take first-team reps all summer. He ended the preseason with a 102.6 quarterback rating, completing 28 of 41 passes (68.3%) for 370 yards (9.02 yards per attempt) with two touchdowns and one interception. Gailey knows Edwards' strengths - picking his spots for the big play attempt, managing the flow of the game, and being accurate with the football. He'll design an offense that maximizes Edwards' protection, keeps his reads simple, and allows him to most effectively get the ball into the hands of his playmakers. If that works, Buffalo could field a league-average offense in 2010. Maybe. Fingers crossed.
C.J. Spiller will be the focal point of this offense. Spiller ended his first professional preseason averaging 4.7 yards per rush, 11.7 yards per reception and scoring three rushing touchdowns. There's little question that he is Buffalo's most explosive offensive threat, and the team's most talented player. Spiller will be the catalyst for this offense because opponents will do everything they can to try to limit his effectiveness. The rookie will still make plays, but more importantly, he'll create mismatches for the likes of Lee Evans, Roscoe Parrish and veteran runners Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch.
Health is a critical factor everywhere, but in particular along the offensive line. The starting line of Demetrius Bell, Andy Levitre, Geoff Hangartner, Eric Wood and Cornell Green still haven't played together much, and all of them had their share of failures this preseason. As a unit, however, they functioned well enough for the first-team offense to score 41 points (seven scoring drives) in 16 possessions. That's not great production by any stretch of the imagination, but it's a start. Buffalo's reserve linemen, however, were highly suspect in the first three preseason games, and then were schooled by Detroit's reserves. This starting five - along with swing tackle Jamon Meredith - needs to stay healthy. Cross your fingers.
Don't expect to see a ton of 3-4 in 2010. Buffalo spent a lot of time playing with four down linemen defensively this preseason, and closed in Detroit by playing a base 4-3 in a brief appearance by the first-team defense. Buffalo's linebackers are the weak point of the defense; don't think that George Edwards doesn't know that. They're already using four down linemen in nickel and dime packages, but they're versed enough in both schemes that you'll see both this year. Just expect to see more four-lineman looks, with 3-4 looks sprinkled in to disguise blitzes and keep opponents honest.
Special teams is still a work in progress, too. This goes beyond kick and punt coverage, which improved only to the point of toleration in the Detroit finale. Clearly, the Bills need to become much more consistent and assignment sound in executing the coverage schemes drawn up by coordinator Bruce DeHaven. The return game - poor blocking in particular - needs a serious amount of attention, as well. Even punter Brian Moorman has been striking the ball inconsistently. Long the strength of this team, Buffalo's special teams are as much of a work in progress as the offense and defense. Expect growing pains.
74 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
9.02 yards per attempt
as much as i hate that stat, that’s a major departure from his career 6.something. let’s hope it’s for real.
why should there be “growing pains” on special teams? I don’t think coverage on kickoffs is that hard of a thing to learn – could dehaven really be doing things that much different than april? Normally i wouldn’t care much about special teams but they’ve been so awful this preseason that it worries me.
Growing pains in the sense of being assignment sound. Lots of players meandering trying to make the big play, rather than doing what they’re supposed to do.
by Brian Galliford on Sep 3, 2010 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Waiver wire
I am sure Buddy and team are watching it. May want a OL and LB, and maybe a #2 QB.
Not sure #2 QB would be searched for, I think Fitz is more than capable of being a #2. Add in that if they stink it up we do have a nice shot a top tier QB in next years draft.
OL and LB for sure
by BigTex_BillsFan on Sep 3, 2010 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Vernon Gholston anyone?
If he was in fact waived, and someone picked him up, they would pick up his rookie contract, yes? Then that would be foolish. But if the contract was negotiable I would try it.
Why do they put the Gideon Bibles only in the bedrooms, where it's usually too late, and not in the barroom downstairs? ~Christopher Morley, Contribution to a Contribution
why? a) he was worthless as an OLB ii) he’s been moved to defensive line, which we are pretty set at, and 3) he took a pay cut just to try and ensure he didn’t get cut by the jets.
by quantumuprising on Sep 3, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Well if you put it that way
Yeah that would be coo coo for coco puffs
Why do they put the Gideon Bibles only in the bedrooms, where it's usually too late, and not in the barroom downstairs? ~Christopher Morley, Contribution to a Contribution
waiver wire
What QB could we pick up as a no. 2~ that everyone won’t be crying for him to be the starter…I would be happy getting an OL and LB
this is my temporary sig
by Jack McJohnson on Sep 3, 2010 8:40 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Tyler Thigpen
However if Trent stinks it up, I may be clamoring for Thigpen, then again, if Trent stinks it up I’ll be clamoring for whomever is #2.
Why do they put the Gideon Bibles only in the bedrooms, where it's usually too late, and not in the barroom downstairs? ~Christopher Morley, Contribution to a Contribution
There’s talk that it’ll be Pat White out in Miami and not Thigpen.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Sep 3, 2010 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions
That would be a wise choice
And love the fact they are cutting 2nd round picks and we are not the only ones.
Why do they put the Gideon Bibles only in the bedrooms, where it's usually too late, and not in the barroom downstairs? ~Christopher Morley, Contribution to a Contribution
Hardy’s going to make the team. I think he contributes something later on this season too.
"Godzilla is coming so get ready." -abayarde
Really?
Smart $$ says he doesn’t make team.
Home of "Spiller the Thriller"
by buffalobacker on Sep 3, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Ageed
The new staff has no loyalty to Hardy, and he has shown nothing this preseason to warrant a place on this roster….unless he adds 30 – 40 pounds and moves to tight end.
I feel sorry for those people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning its the best they are going to feel all day. ~ Frank Sinatra
Preseason storyline
For me, the biggest storyline is Gailey, the coordinator. If the glimpses we saw in the preseason are accurate, Buffalo’s passing scheme will finally catch up with the 21st century in 2010…i.e.- you don’t have to stop and turn around to face the QB to complete a pass play in the NFL that isn’t a deep fly pattern. I didn’t catch the Lions game yet, but what I saw against Indy and Cincinnati was enough to have me reasonably optimistic. Ding dong the witch is dead?
"Godzilla is coming so get ready." -abayarde
Your offensive line comments are wrong
You can’t include the Washington game in the stats as 3 of the starters were out. In the games where we had a complete offensive line, we had 12 drives which resulted in 5 TD’s , 1 FG and 6 punts. I would take that production any day of the week.
Does it really change that much? Scoring drives drop from 7/16 to 6/12.
by Brian Galliford on Sep 3, 2010 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I would say it shows that with not a full healthy line we will only score 25% of the time….that’s a big drop and also assumes that they will not improve from preseason so maybe it doesn’t show much
by BigTex_BillsFan on Sep 3, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
3-4 vs. 4-3
I fully support using mostly 4-3 looks for year one of this coaching crew. It shows they want to put the best football players on the field rather than force a gameplan that doesn’t fit the personnel.
The list of useful defensive lineman on this team goes 6 or 7 deep. The list of useful linebackers is ONE deep – Pozluszny. Maybe next year they will have added some talent and can run a true 3-4.
by LoydKristmis on Sep 3, 2010 9:09 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
That’s only if you consider “useful” to mean “pretty good, not great, at everything”. For example, Maybin’s showed some signs of being a great pass-rusher in the pre-season, albeit against mainly backups, but that’s a use. It all depends on the defensive scheming, which actually has me somewhat excited.
My definition of Useful
When I said useful, I meant someone who has a skill that could contribute to a top defense in at least a rotational role. I am really down on our linebackers. I love our D-line after years of sub-par atheletes, and I like the secondary as well. I really think that outside Poz, we have no starting quality linebackers on this team.
For the record, I am not counting Maybin as useful yet as either LB or DL. I am his biggest supporter and still billieve he will turn into a monster sack artist, but he is clearly not there yet.
by LoydKristmis on Sep 3, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
So
If Buffalo can manage a league-average offense (say, 18th) and a solid defense burgeoned by the big-play secondary (overall, hopefully around 11th @ Team D), there has to be a legitimate chance, albeit extremely minute, that we make the playoffs this year, right? That’s also excluding any injuries or poor performances from starters (especially on the O-line)…so expectations definitely have to be tempered. But I really don’t see how we can be worst in the league. At the bare minimum, we’re probably looking at another 6-10/7-9 season, with a chance at 8-8/9-7 if things go super-unexpectedly well.
"SO LETS GET ON IN THIS BUS cause this is the year we are coming to KICK SOME #$^u%*$% GODZILLA IS COMING BE READY" - abayarde
I think you’re overrating the defense in a major, major way. They’ll be 20 at best.
by Brian Galliford on Sep 3, 2010 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I hope not
They were 16th overall last year, if I remember right? If there’s progress in the run defense department but regression in pass defense, what’s to say they can’t have a similar-ish year on the whole? I know the quasi-scheme change doesn’t help much, and maybe saying they will be above-average is overzealous, but they should at least have a shot of being average again.
"SO LETS GET ON IN THIS BUS cause this is the year we are coming to KICK SOME #$^u%*$% GODZILLA IS COMING BE READY" - abayarde
I do believe our overall defensive rankings at the end of the year will not be great. 20th sounds about right, but I think we will make enough plays in secondary to somewhat offset this. Throughout the preseason our 3rd down defense has been OK. We will likely continue to give up big chunks of yardage in the running game, but if the red zone defense tightens up and we continue to get turnovers, the defense could be serviceable.
I feel sorry for those people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning its the best they are going to feel all day. ~ Frank Sinatra
i am not too confident about this secondary… i want to see the real games before i trust them…. i am pretty positive our defense is going to suck…
Defense will be all or nothing
I see our defense as being an extremely opportunistic squad that will be boom or bust. They scored 28 pts in four games which is pretty boom, but then would let the big gaping runs and huge passes. If we can gain some consistency and shore up the big play (big if) our defense will still keep us in games.
by detricblackstone on Sep 3, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Man coverage will kill the secondary
especially with some of the matchups in the AFC east….Edwards and Holmes on the Jets; Moss and welker, then Marshall and who is the fins second reciever with Bess gone?
Defense
Negative story on the defense: shaky run defense
Positive story on the defense: causing turnovers and taking it all the way home!
Special Teams
Its preseason. If you are trying to figure out who is going to make the team you have to use all your players to find out the best fit. Therefor you are using numerous players on your special team squads. You can’t expect that group to play as a top notch unit
contrary to others trent worries me
trent was 4/4 for 66 yards… but if you saw the game, the 50 yard throw could have gone either way…. remember, lions had the league worst secondary last year… a decently better team would have picked that throw….
on the other hand, brohm was awesome on most of his throw…on paper he is 7/15 for 78 yards and 1 interception. but if you saw the game, almost all the drives he didnt get any help from his line with multiple flags… defense knew he was going to throw because of 2nd and long and 3rd and long situations…
plus, if not for damn foschi, brohm would have been 10/15 and 100 + yards with no interception…
dont get me wrong, i am not still pulling for brohm, looks like he is TD handicapped… but the game was a bad luck for him
a decently better team would have picked that throw….
I’m not really sure how that is the case. Just because someone has a better secondary, doesn’t mean they automatically intercept one-on-one jump balls. A lot of one-on-one balls down the sideline can go either way. The thing people (myself included) have consistently criticized Trent for is his inability or unwillingness to take changes and give his teammates an opportunity to make plays (which has lead to his prevalence for checkdowns). Now, he takes a few chances and we’re worried about him because it “could have gone either way?”
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 3, 2010 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
2nd that, you have to fire downfield and at $8M a year Lee has to win most of those battles
anyway a 50yd int is a great punt
No, a better team COULD have picked that throw. That’s the point of that throw – put it up, take a chance. Isn’t that the point of the Captain Checkdown moniker?!
Damn, the guy can’t win.
by Brian Galliford on Sep 3, 2010 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
that’s why people don’t want him. zing!
by quantumuprising on Sep 3, 2010 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
no kidding
how many teams throw jump balls to their best recievers – those can go either way for every WR. we’re harped on him for not throwing those types of throws and now that he does it we’re saying it could have gone ither way – kind of weird
I'm not sure we have the tools or the talent....
by J2 on Sep 3, 2010 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
If Trent starts winning some games now that he has some NFL caliber coaching support, the fans will come around. Chan looks like he will put Trent in a position to be successful. Weather he takes advantage of the opportunity will be answered in the first four or five games of the year. There are a lot of tough matchups against top teams early. If he can pull out a couple of wins in these games, that no one expects us to win, we might start seeing people cheer Edwards again.
I feel sorry for those people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning its the best they are going to feel all day. ~ Frank Sinatra
Rec’d.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Sep 3, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
hi
freaking larious that people still discount his long throws. he has another one too that people were like “take that away and he doesnt have very good numbers”. you only go deep like that a few times in a game people! the fact that he has connected on 2 long passes in the preseason and only taken the equivalent of a full game of snaps should be cause for excitement not negativity….
and honestly, any pass that is thrown COULD be intercepted, its part of the game.
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 3, 2010 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I have to agree
That was a terrible pass. Looks good on the line score, but that was all on Evans.
you say terrible – i say he threw it so Lee had a chance ot make a play
without asking Lee or Trent, or having them say, I’m not sure how either of us would know if we’re right. but the fact that he threw that pass is very encouraging. you have to give your playmakers a chance – how many times have we said that?
I'm not sure we have the tools or the talent....
by J2 on Sep 3, 2010 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
I cannot even believe I’m reading that. That was NOT a terrible pass.
Watch the Lions’ coverage. It was exemplary. Edwards lofted it that way for the purpose of giving Evans the best chance to either catch it, or turn it into an incompletion.
by Brian Galliford on Sep 3, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
yup – was just going to post this from BB.com
"It’s a ‘go’ ball to Lee," Edwards said. "He’s the type of guy where you have to put some air under it and he’ll go make a play. He’s done that for his entire career. I just have to be comfortable, feel the rush up front, and deliver the ball where it needs to be. Lee can go up and make plays like that."
I'm not sure we have the tools or the talent....
by J2 on Sep 3, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not a bad pass
It looks like Edwards is finally figuring out the one thing the JP Losman could did well, heave it up there and let Evans go make a play. Edwards has had a habit in the past of leading his man out of bounds on deep sideline throws, when he threw them, which prevented some big plays from being big TD plays. Last night he allowed Evans to make the play along the sideline and stay in bounds. If he keeps doing that I’ll be very happy.
I feel sorry for those people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning its the best they are going to feel all day. ~ Frank Sinatra
agreed
Poorly thrown ball, great catch by Evans. I’d rather see Trent take some chances down field though, hoping he throws a better ball in the future….
Home of "Spiller the Thriller"
by buffalobacker on Sep 3, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Highlights
Looked at pass to Evans on NFL.com highlights, it wasn’t a “tight spiral” but it wasn’t that bad, so I concede. I’m just happy Trent’s taking shots!! GO BILLS
Home of "Spiller the Thriller"
by buffalobacker on Sep 3, 2010 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Balls like that are thrown high and deep. Rarely are they tight spirals since they aren’t touch passes or rifles shots. It’s essentially “throw it up and see what happens”.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings
by MattRichWarren on Sep 3, 2010 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Give Trent the credit he deserves; He stepped up in the pocket perfectly on that play while Meredith rode his guy out, all while keeping his eyes downfield, then threw a pass to his best receiver in single coverage, and out of the safety’s range. If McNabb threw that pass to DeSean Jackson last year, or Rothlisberger threw that to Hines Ward, no one would call it “terrible”. I’d be happy with Trent making that throw to Evans every single game.
Enjoying my annual three months of optimism.
Still pulling for Brohm
I also was impressed with Brohm’s game ,all things considered. He certainly didn’t get much help. He how ever disproved the theory that he is entrenched in the pocket with some nice scrambles. I think the TD’s will come in time, if given the chance. I’m afraid he is on the cut list though. Good luck ,Brian
I'm with you
Through these eyes, Brohm has been comparable to Fitz in terms of production and has more upside because of his age and lack of experience, period. Fitz is too eratic and Brohm just needs more reps and less drops from his WR’s and we’ll see improvement.
Why do they put the Gideon Bibles only in the bedrooms, where it's usually too late, and not in the barroom downstairs? ~Christopher Morley, Contribution to a Contribution
How do you equate lack of experience to upside? The two aren’t related at all.
by Brian Galliford on Sep 3, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
What do you call upside? He obviously has the arm strength and made some nice throws, he just needs some more experience and in my opinion he will improve which means he has upside. I’m not saying the less experience means the more upside, just that he has the tools that given more reps, will hone those tools and get better. I.e.,Fitz has more experience and therefore less upside because he is less likely to show improvement given more reps.
Why do they put the Gideon Bibles only in the bedrooms, where it's usually too late, and not in the barroom downstairs? ~Christopher Morley, Contribution to a Contribution
I was just confused – I thought you were saying that he had more upside because he has less experience.
I’m not as enamored with Brohm’s arm strength as you are. I think Edwards has a stronger arm than he does.
by Brian Galliford on Sep 3, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
No doubt about
I was comparing Fitz and Brohm, I wouldn’t say I am enamored with his arm strength but I think it’ll get it done.
Why do they put the Gideon Bibles only in the bedrooms, where it's usually too late, and not in the barroom downstairs? ~Christopher Morley, Contribution to a Contribution
Wide Recievers
I think a major story line this preseason has been the emergence of our receivers. We knew Lee Evans would be a dominate presence but we all had huge question marks about what could draw double teams away from him. Four games later we have seen that Roscoe has a solid chance to be explosive in the slot, Steve has been solid enough to draw a safety his way and out of almost nowhere Nelson has been a terrific possession and red zone threat. I think this is one of the shining positives of the preseason.
by detricblackstone on Sep 3, 2010 9:55 AM EDT reply actions
Marshawn Looked Awful
I’ve been a big Marshawn supporter, but how different does this team look with Spiller. Seeing Marshawn juke and jive his way into a hole brought back awful memories. I hate to say it, but he is just not a threat. Yes he’s powerful, but the second he changes direction (very slowly I might add) his power is diminished. Let’s hope it’s the rust, but that act last night is the reason Jackson beat him out.
Exactly why we're going to see Jackson and Spiller most of the time
Both of those guys can succeed when the OL breaks down. Lynch needs the OL to opens holes and keep them open to be successful.
~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."
Jackson’s lack of a nose for the end zone is troubling to me…maybe Lynch takes on the role of TD thief a la Willis McGahee in Baltimore when all three are back and healthy.
"Godzilla is coming so get ready." -abayarde
It's all about opportunity
Jackson hasn’t had many inside the 10
~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."
observations
What I take away from this pre-season is how much variation you can see in coaching staffs. While the offense looks improved, and the approach wil be different, the one thing that is clear is that we finally have someone who can coach offense. I think the organization at a whole is doing a much better job with our philosophy. Trying to develop a physical football team that emulates the city of Buffalo. The draft, the coaching style, and the way this team practices will pay dividens in years 2, 3, 4 if they keep after it.
I don’t expect much this season. However, I do expect improvement throughout the year. For me, I guess the biggest thing to watch is can Chan Gailey make Trent Edwards a productive and consisent NFL caliber QB capable of being the future QB in Buffalo? That’s really the burning question I have, and I think should be the focus of the 2010 season
"Show me the baby: - Buddy Nix
Trent as the starter
He has looked very good to date and I hope it continues, but before I annoint him the Official starter I want to see it happen against some 3-4 D’s. Trent has had the luxury of playing against 4-3’s for most of the preseason with the exception of Washington and we all know how well that went. I know the O line was an “issue” that game so I’m still optimistic he has turned the corner. A win over Miami 9/12 would go a long way toward convincing me.
CJ spiller as a return man
is he going to be doing KR at all this year? i think it would be idiotic if he wasnt back there. we have jackson and lynch to spell him for a few plays. he has a chance to take one back ne time he gets it (think Hester and Donte Hall). i know he wasnt returning in the preseason because we were slim on RB’s
lynch did not impress, but spiller is the MAN
and i think if there was a last second trade, it might yet involve him.
for our purposes, with our o line, we need shifty and speedy more than
we need lynch. simpson is faster and shiftier, as is bell.
should make for an interesting next few weeks with cuts, trades, and
the first few games, to see what the bills really have on offense.
defense wise, i expect lots of bend not break, like previous seasons,
mainly because of the weakness on the run, and the relative strength
of the pass defense, which includes hopefully, lots of interceptions.
as tasker said last night, you can stink on defense but if you get turnovers
you can win….
remember new orleans last season in the nfc championship game
and the super bowl…..
turnovers won it for them….
bills could be like that, and do not underestimate what spiller means
to this team……
HUGE….
ML
Would be great to trade ML for a much needed OL or what have you. i’m pretty sure ML tenure here is limited.
Home of "Spiller the Thriller"
by buffalobacker on Sep 3, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Lynch isn't going anywhere anytime soon
Wouldn’t make any sense to get rid of him at this point. What O lineman do people think the Bills can get for a RB who doesn’t know the system he will be playing in?
As far as the 3-4 vs. 4-3 I think the Bills were playing possum. I think we won’t see as much 4-3 as they showed in preseason.
Lynch
I’m thinking ML gone next year anyways, get what you can for him, be it OL depth or whatever. Not saying its gonna happen, if anything ML has alot to prove, so hopefully he is productive for us this year.
Home of "Spiller the Thriller"
by buffalobacker on Sep 3, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Giants get ahead of themselves with ‘Super Bowl Champions’ home page … on Saturday
- Smarter Stats: Super Bowl Edition — Giants’ offense vs. Patriots’ defense
- Curtis Martin’s mother helped drive him to the Hall of Fame
- Patriots heartlessly release Tiquan Underwood on the eve of Super Bowl XLVI
- Butler, Dawson, Doleman, Kennedy, Martin and Roaf make the 2012 Hall of Fame cut
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
