Healing Bills Might Have To Rotate Offensive Linemen
by Brian Galliford on Sep 5, 2010 9:45 AM EDT
in Buffalo Bills News
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The Buffalo Bills have only had two starting offensive linemen that have been 100% healthy and played every snap with the first-team offense in the preseason: left guard Andy Levitre and center Geoff Hangartner. Demetrius Bell (left tackle) and Eric Wood (right guard) have been eased back into the lineup following season-ending injuries last year; right tackle Cornell Green has been banged up, as well.
As the Bills continue to work their starting offensive linemen back into football shape, head coach Chan Gailey warns that the team may not be able to play their starting five for every snap early in the season.
"With our injury situation in the offensive line, I don't think we're going to get full games out of every one of those five from the get-go," Gailey said Saturday. "I think other guys are going to have to play during the course of a game."
The Bills only have three reserves along the offensive front at the moment. Second-year swing tackle Jamon Meredith is the most experienced, with eight appearances and four starts in 2009. Rookie tackle Ed Wang is injured himself, unlikely to play early in the season as he still has a massive cast on his hand. Cordaro Howard, an undrafted guard out of Georgia Tech, is the lone interior line reserve.
Buffalo is scouring the waiver wire as they look to fortify their roster and build their practice squad. You can bet that additional linemen are being sought, but Meredith and Howard are the likely rotational guys for Week 1.
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I've got a bad feeling about this, R2.
Obi-wan’s sage advice was, ``There is no try, only do. Do or do not. That is your choice.’’
But I don’t think that’s going to help us much when they bring 6 or 7 every play in the third quarter and we’re counting on Meredith and Howard to keep them at bay.
I know it’s early but this feels too much like 2009.
by Defensewinsgames on Sep 5, 2010 6:10 AM EDT reply actions
Wow, even for BR this was posted in the early morning!
…said the guy checking the site at 4 AM.
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!
He wrote it last night and scheduled it for 6AM. I had to update the timestamp when I published Web Rumblings.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
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by MattRichWarren on Sep 5, 2010 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
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Two youngish guys who deserve a very long look are:
Adam Terry, 6ft8, 330lbs, 27years old
Cut by the Colts, the New York stater, played at Syracuse before being drafted by the Colts. Has started 18 of 48 games and can be legitimate described as a swing tackle
Donald Thomas, 6ft4, 310lbs, 24 years old
Surprisingly cut by the Fins, probably because they signed the thug Incognito, the former Husky started 12 games last season and would have started as a 6th round rookie if he’d not fractured his foot, having one the position in camp after being drafted. A must do everything to sign pickup especially with lingering concerns over Wod
Let’s forget about Adam Terry. If you go to Stampede Blue (the Colts’ equivalent of Rumblings) you will find a post on him describing how awful he was in training camp and the preseason. He has apparently not recovered from the knee surgery that put him on IR for all of last year and likely never will. He was a very good OT when he was healthy, but his career seems to be over.
Adam Terry stinks though
Injury issues and he’s very stiff.
~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."
Macktruck & Kurupt
said it all.
I absolutely HATE having to watch so much Tennessee Oiler football.
by MtJulietTNBillsFan on Sep 5, 2010 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
And now he's off to San Diego
"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
Donald Thomas looks promising
I just checked Phinsider (the Dolphins’ SB Blog) and they were expecting Donald Thomas to make their roster. There are no negative comments on him (at least in the last two days) and the fact that he was cut came as a real surprise to them. I don’t know much about him, but the fact that the people down there who follow their team had nothing bad to say about him suggests that he could be worth considering as kernow suggests.
Phinsider is also very surprised by the release of TE David Martin and expects/hopes that the team will resign him after Week One (when his salary would not be guaranteed for the year). Don’t know what the issues are that would cause the Fins to be so cautious about him, but the blog seems to think Miami should resign him. Perhaps he would help us in terms of TE depth.
hahaha
that’s almost the exact same comment I left on the roster cut fan post yesterday
great minds think alike..
"the BUFFALO BILLS ARE COMING TO TOWN and I dont mean like Santa clause. WE will not Surrender this is were you all FALL The WHAGON BLASTER IS TAKING OFF AND YOU PUNKS are in our way, This wagon has no BREAKS so get ready for the ride of the life time"-abayarde
by HardBeingABillsFan on Sep 5, 2010 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope the Bills put in a waiver claim on him
He started 12 games last year for a good running team. He’s young (24) and would make for a nice upgrade over Howard as the backup interior lineman. I’m guessing a team like Detroit, St Louis or Oakland might claim him first, just a hunch.
~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."
Urbik and Forney
Other options would be:
Urbik has good flexibility able to play both sides on guard and center. Pittsburgh “Rumblings” had good things to say about how Urbik improved from last year, but seemed to lose out simply due to depth in Pitt.
Forney could be a nice pickup who would give some good depth and provide the young line some veteran leadership. He may not be quite the same blocker he was in his prime, but would be a solid backup. Again, seems to be more a victim of depth.
Urbik with Bills
Well, looks like the Bills have signed Urbik. That gives us a body to backup center and both guards. Thinking maybe 1 more OL from the waiver wire?
I want Russ Ohlnberger personally.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
I wouldn't be adverse to Terrance Metcalf either.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
LOL – digging how this is just a “pick up this guy!” comments section. I’d be far, FAR more concerned about the idea that we’re rotating offensive linemen at all, folks. This is one of those things that you can hang on Chan Gailey, like everyone hung a slow camp, lack of adjustments, etc. on Dick Jauron.
Hey
I’m still riding the Kirk Chambers is gone wave. Don’t bring me down. Wonder if this means we’re gonna see Wang week 1?
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
Would you prefer to have half D Bell and half Chambers or all Chambers? I’d go 1/2 and 1/2 myself.
You can't have CHANGE without CHAN.
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by MattRichWarren on Sep 5, 2010 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Do they only commit half a penalty then?
Because I could live with that.
by twoeightnine on Sep 5, 2010 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I think its prudent
If running back platoons can work, why not LT platoons?!!! ;) haha
In all seriousness I think he’s being careful early in the season and Meredith has shown that he can hold his own. Obviously it’d be wonderful if we had a 100% healthy stud LT but Gailey is protecting and developing his guys as best he can.
I think Brian’s comment hits the nail on the head, as does the alarm he is raising in general this morning about the lack of o-line depth. And remember that he thinks Cornell Green is adequate at RT — something a number of us wouldn’t agree with. If everyone stays healthy and there are no injuries on the o-line this year, we could be ok, but the chances of that are close to zero (even without the Bills’ bad luck on injuries). If two or more of the starters go down that will in effect be the end of the season and those dire predictions of 3-13 or worse will come true.
I really like what Gailey has done so far, but this has been a huge blind spot for him. Let’s pray, and then pray some more, that it gets fixed through some good acquisitions over the next few days.
Something to think about.
How in the world will Chan use this to his advantage? I don’t like it, but if this is what we have I am sure Chan has a plan. Sort of.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
I think the plan is that our offensive line is/was terrible so why keep more terrible players? So they just go ahead and cut them – maybe i’m being optimistic but it’s possible we could hear of a trade soon – certainly a guy or 2 that just got cut if not.
Ya – the oline depth is probably the worst that has ever existed in the NFL and I’m not sure that’s a stretch of the imagination.
Chan better hope 2 things: 1) is that his strength and conditioning program is going to work and 2) that the Bills finally get a little luck thrown their way for once and actually go through most of the season with the same 5 guys up front. We’ve been kicked in the balls way to much as a football team since i’ve been watching – somethings gotta give a some point right?
Listen! You smell something?
by J2 on Sep 5, 2010 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
You know we’re desperate when our solution is some of the luck Ralph is such a big “billiever” in. As you say, we’re due for a big dose.
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 "
by radan on Sep 5, 2010 9:55 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Intresting thought
As poor as our team was last year, this years draft appears to have yielded a grand total of one starter. I think troup could start, but the staff under rated K Wills productiveness. Unfortunately (and I like spiller and the pick) it was at one of our three strong positions. The difference between this team and last years should be spiller pluses less db’s return to the planet less special teams implosion plus chan’s play calling.
by wab2 on Sep 5, 2010 9:48 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
for all intents and purposes Troup is a starter. He won’t start the game but he’ll get plenty of snaps – similar to Roscoe’s role. They’ll both be on the field a lot.
We never know if Easley could have been the 4th WR either – that’s entirely possible. Sucks that those 2 got hurt so we only get to evaluate a couple guys.
Carrington is going to be rotated in a lot i’d guess too.
Listen! You smell something?
by J2 on Sep 5, 2010 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions
It seems to me...
…that Gailey sees Troup as a long-term starter who will anchor the defensive line for many years. He’s just not ready right this minute.
"I could have conquered Europe, all of it, but I had women in my life." - King Henry II of England
troup will be good as will spiller
but i think neither position was one of weakness on the existing team. In fact one of the only positions that had all-pro’s even if they were alternates. I watch troup play several times in UCF games against some fairly high level talent. he was a disruptive force on the line. I would love to see him and KWill on the field aty the same time in a 4-3 line up. One guy moves the stack the other guy knifes in to the backfield.
Keep in mind the Bills did this with Jason Peters in 2008 after his holdout. He split reps with Langston Walker at LT; it only lasted a week then. Let’s hope that continues to be the case.
I wonder what the odds of us pursuing McNeill are?
Obviously we as a fan base want them to – but you think Nix called on him?
I hope he did at least to see what the situation is – it’d be stellar if he could swing a trade for him. Then Meredith could backup some interior spots if he has that ability – which i’m not sure…
Listen! You smell something?
by J2 on Sep 5, 2010 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm not thrilled with that idea....
historically speaking, a training camp hold out, seldom has the year he was expected to, and often gets hurt early on in the year… At least as my memory serves, which admittedly, may be wrong, because I might have forgot….
The draft dawns a new year for Buffalo Bills fans, so let optimism reign supreme!!! After all, we are now, UNDEFEATED!!!!
thought the same thing....
I bet for the right price, Buddy would go for it. However, he’s already stated that he wishes to build through the draft and we don’t know how he values McNeill and LTs in general.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he explored the option, but I would be surprised if he makes a deal of that magnitude right before the season. And I tend to agree with Cigna’s comment.
I find it interesting that nearly every team rotates their DL throughout a game. But I’m not aware of any team that does the same with their OL. You’d think they ‘d be similarly fatigued throughout a game and there’d be a benefit to fresh OL (if you had similarly talented players).
And with all the specialization in football it’s also surprising that you don’t have OL that rotate based on whether its a running or passing situation.
i think the reason is line chemistry… every guy needs to know how the guy next to him is going to move and work…
the DL can rotate… there is no problem if you don’t get a sack … but by rotating OL you lead to a sack, that can be a potential career ending injury for the qb
by statcruncher on Sep 5, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Doooooooooooooooooooooomed!
"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 5, 2010 10:59 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
same thoughts
I agree with you pistol ,why can’t we rotate our OL the same that they do in all the other positions except QB.whichever OL is better at pass blocking then use him and the same goes for run blocking.As for trading for a veteran OL ,Buddy would pull the trigger if its for a young OL not one who is up there in age.
Sweet. Give away every play before the ball is snapped.
So and so is in so we know it’s a pass play and well he kinda sucks and can’t handle the blitz and luckily we know it’s a pass play so send two blitzers right at him.
by twoeightnine on Sep 5, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
It could be worse...
I’d rather have the Bills rotating lineman to help get them healthy than go thru what they did last year. It seemed like the Bills were in continual motion picking up lineman off waivers and starting them that week.
.
"The most beautiful things in life can neither be seen or touched. At least that’s what the restraining order says."
Kinky Freidman
here's praying for a healthy oline
and some waiver wire upgrades …..
dear lord, please help us….we are
a humble and forgiving people.
we have been patient for what seems
forever….
but some of us are getting old and feeble…
our hearts are weakening, our emotions frayed
we never wanted to be in this begging position.
we are a proud tribe….
grant us this favor for one fall campaign for our
beloved football team…
where the wind blows full, the sun rarely shines,
and the Ralph gets Lit Up with Bright Lights of
Faithful Anticipation….
Grant Spiller the Thriller some rays of daylight…
May He Take It to the House, Your House….
and be surrounded in Ecstasy, in the End Zone,
Your Zone of Glory by His Big Blocking Men….
His Starting Five….
From Here through the New Year
In Our Name, We Pray
Go Bills….
by simonpure on Sep 5, 2010 2:53 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
relax folks
I’m pretty confident in saying that Gailey, being an offensive minded guy, knows exactly what keeping continuity on the offensive line means for the offense in general. If you look at it objectively, there is nothing wrong with swapping out Wood or Bell (or any other for that matter) for an offensive series during the course of the game. There is absolutely no way in hell this team puts certain O-linemen out in passing situations and another group in running situations. Some quality depth certainly wouldn’t hurt to have on this team given its history of injury to that group, however, I’d be willing to bet (A LOT) that we are not going to see a rotational situation like with the D-linemen. We will see guys that need a blow get one from time to time.
THAT WE GOING TO RUN OVER EVERBODY THAT STEPS IN FRONT OF THE WHAGONBLASTER - Abayarde
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