Buffalo Bills Inside Linebackers: State Of The Bills Roster
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 12:15 PM EST
in Buffalo Bills News
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PrintThis post is part of a series entitled State of the Bills Roster, in which we're breaking down and evaluating the Buffalo Bills on a position-by-position basis. If you're confused about the number and letter classification appearing after each player's name, read this post. You can check out all previous installments of this series here.
When the 2010 season came to a close for the Bills, the team saw fit to release just one of its coaches: inside linebackers coach DeMontie Cross. A holdover from the Dick Jauron regime, where Cross was a defensive and special teams assistant, Cross got his post under Chan Gailey almost by default - even though he'd never before coached a position at the NFL level, let alone inside linebackers.
Now, the Bills are talking to experienced defensive voice Dave Wannstedt about joining their defensive staff, and inside linebacker remains the only coaching opening the team has. While Gailey and defensive coordinator George Edwards look to tinker with their assistants and possibly with their scheme, the team has a much more pressing matter to attend to: their inside linebackers - the guys who actually play the game - aren't very good.
A review of Buffalo's weakest defensive positional group lies after the jump.
Right now, the Bills have six inside linebackers in their organization.
Paul Posluszny (3-E). Though he missed playing time for a third season in his four-year career, Posluszny arguably had his best season as a pro, leading the Bills with 151 tackles, including 103 solo efforts. He added two sacks for good measure. However, Posluszny was hardly great; he struggled mightily in coverage, particularly when he drew a tight end assignment, and did not establish himself as a great gap defender in Buffalo's tweaked defensive scheme. Poz is what he is - a productive player that's good for a minor injury or two a season, and who lacks the type of athletic burst to be consistently effective in coverage and engaging blockers.
Andra Davis (3-E). Signed to a two-year contract in March as one of the team's higher-profile free agent additions, Davis didn't last long in 2010, as he landed on IR with a shoulder injury in November. He did, however, endear himself to some by playing several weeks with a torn labrum - even if he probably shouldn't have. Davis is a big linebacker that has lost some of his athleticism, but his vast knowledge of the 3-4 will likely keep him in Buffalo through the end of his current contract.
Reggie Torbor (3-E). His versatility was Buffalo's greatest asset in 2010, as Torbor - an inside linebacker under George Edwards for Miami, circa 2009 - lined up at outside linebacker early in the season for the Bills. With the Bills having more options at that position now, expect Torbor to move back to his more natural position. Like the next man on the list, Torbor isn't a true difference-maker, but he's heady - and that versatility really can come in handy.
Akin Ayodele (3-E). Though he didn't join the team until two days prior to the start of the regular season, Ayodele finished the year third on the team with 106 tackles. He didn't do anything spectacular, but provided a steadying influence inside as the Bills tinkered with schemes at the mid-point of the season. Ayodele is probably the best gap defender of this group, but still gets washed out of plays far too frequently.
Keith Ellison (4-F). He stepped into the starting lineup early in the season when Posluszny was nicked up, but ended up on IR himself with a knee injury. Ellison lacks the size to play inside in a 3-4 scheme, and his middling coverage and solid special teams abilities, while useful, likely won't earn him a second look from this coaching staff in 2011.
Mike Balogun (4-F). Added mid-season after a spate of injuries, Balogun - who will be 28 by the time next season rolls around - was inactive for the majority of his partial season in Buffalo.
Contract situations to monitor: Posluszny is a free agent, and it's very apparent that the team wants to bring him back, as he's the only productive player of this bunch with an iota of upside left. The team won't be able to negotiate with Poz, however, until a new CBA is in place. Ayodele and Ellison will also be free agents, while Davis, Torbor and Balogun are all under contract through the close of the 2011 season. That's the good news here: none of these players are locked up long-term. (Yet.)
Outlook: Uh... bleak. Posluszny can be a useful player - at least you know what he can and can't do - but his limited explosion hurts him both in coverage and in aggressively filling his gap responsibilities. Torbor offers the versatility to play outside or inside, which should keep him around for another year. Honestly, the rest of these players are just guys. Buffalo can get much younger, more athletic and, quite simply, better at this position.
Possible Acquisition: As the team continues to scheme its 3-4 defense around the unconventional talents of nose tackle Kyle Williams, the Bills need to find inside linebackers capable of playing gap responsibilities better than their current group. Davis and Ayodele are capable of that, but both are on the downside; the rest are pursuit players. Buffalo really needs a downhill thumper that can fill a hole, stack and shed a block, and make a play before the back is five yards past him. These players are not especially hard to find.
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who are the 2-4 round draft prospects at ILB and are they worth our time?
A sure fire beast FA would be nice, but what do you see happening? A top end ILB might be just as if not more effective than another DT at no3 overall… although Id like DT, CB, DE, OLB and ILB all sought after in this draft
Go Bills because I'm a blind homer... sort of
needless to say I am appalled that Posluszny is categorized as a “meh” player in the same tier as Akin Ayodele, Andra Davis, and Reggie Torbor.
By your definition
Group B will be made up of veteran Bills players that aren’t considered elite, but do a respectable job within Chan Gailey’s various systems. They are players that the team can compete – and possibly win – with. All of these players, when described as “veterans,” are 26 years of age or older.
Im not sure how even the most pessimistic view of Poz doesn’t land him in group B.
“Veteran Bills players that aren’t considered elite but do a respectable job” – You don’t think 151 tackles, which are usually very effective ones, and three straight years of 110+ tackles is respectable?
“possibly win with” – You don’t think Poz is the type of player we could possible win with? I am fairly certain Poz is the type of backer you can with. And considering he is only 26 years old and was playing under a positional coach you yourself noted had never coached a position before and was deemed by Gailey to be worth firing I’d say he has enough upside to make him a guy we could “possibly” win with.
Just my opinion though.
As for the rest, I thought Ayodele was the best of the bunch of older vets. In my opinion we need someone next to Poz badly and if we let Poz walk? Forget it, we’ll have no linebackers that would be starting for any other defense and we’re playing a 3-4. Yikes.
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
by poz on Jan 18, 2011 12:25 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Athletically, Poz doesn’t have the skill to make him anything more than adequate, if you ask me. Last year, I was caught a little bit off guard by how flat-footed he can be in space. I don’t think he’s anything special, and I don’t think he’s irreplaceable. He’s a good football player, but he is what he is: adequate. At best.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
He’s a good football player
So he is a good football player who is also productive to the tune of 150+ tackles even while missing a couple of games and that doesn’t qualify as “respectable” or a guy you can possibly win with even though he is only 26?
You summarize group E as
mostly, it’s full of overrated vets, also-rans, and other similar contingencies. You might think of this as the “meh” group.
and you summarize group B as
Group B will be made up of veteran Bills players that aren’t considered elite, but do a respectable job within Chan Gailey’s various systems. They are players that the team can compete – and possibly win – with
Now which one is the fairer group to put a guy like Posluszny into? With the “also-rans” or the respectable veterans? I think it is a totally unfair categorization in this article.
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
by poz on Jan 18, 2011 12:42 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
You’re entitled to your opinion, of course, but clearly, you hold Poz in much higher regard than I do. You even named yourself after him. :)
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
ok thats fine
I just wanted to establish that you do indeed believe Poz to be an also-ran veteran that we can’t win with and should only be playing for a desperate team.
Plus, you know I’ve never been shy about vocalizing my disagreements with you! :)
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
I believe Poz is an “overrated vet”.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
Brian, you are entitled to your opinion, but I think you are wrong in this case.
by SCBillsfan on Jan 18, 2011 1:11 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
cant someone be an “overrated vet” and a “respectable” vet who isn’t elite. Why does his reputation (allegedly) push him into the meh group with the also-rans and the desperate plays?
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
My point has been that his athleticism and limited upside put him into the “meh” group.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 1:15 PM EST up reply actions
You're basically proving Brian right
with every comment.
by twoeightnine on Jan 18, 2011 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
how so?
You should probably elaborate further since I am apparently not witty enough to follow.
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
You are overrating Poz.
You are demanding/asking that he be placed in a group of players above the level that Brian and others believe he belongs with. You are rating him higher than others. That’s the definition of an “overrated vet.”
by twoeightnine on Jan 18, 2011 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
Brian
called him a good, productive player. Which I agree with. I am simply arguing that this definition lands him as a “respectable” vet within the scope of Group B.
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
Someone
poll the masses and let’s see how the consensus views him
"You can't spell, 'The Buffalo Bills Win the Superbowl,' without 'Buffalo Bills.'" - Me
by B3@$TMoD3 on Jan 18, 2011 1:36 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Brian doesnt need a poll to post his opinion about a player
this is just his opinion on each and every player/position.
He clearly stated that no one had to agree with his opinion and he was open to debate…….but I hardly doubt anyone’s opinion here is going to change his mind.
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2011 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
I hardly doubt anyone’s opinion here is going to change his mind.
I am not so wishy-washy. But that doesn’t mean I think poz, or anyone else defending Poz (confusing!), is being unreasonable.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
What?
Did I say it would change anyone’s mind? Did I even give my opinion? I’m just saying, there’s plenty of healthy debate, I’d be curious myself to see what everyone thinks, and when the results come in, it doesn’t change this article, Poz’s mind, your’s, Brian’s or mine.
"You can't spell, 'The Buffalo Bills Win the Superbowl,' without 'Buffalo Bills.'" - Me
by B3@$TMoD3 on Jan 18, 2011 1:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’m just saying, there’s plenty of healthy debate
Agreed. I know I’ve been vocal in recent front page articles and I hope no one takes my engaging anyone in debate as trying to be a jerk or pushy. I simply think this is the best site on the web for Bills debate and I enjoy the banter with all of you
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
by poz on Jan 18, 2011 1:45 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm in no way trying to attack you or insuate that your idea wasnt a good one......
I just read your comment as something that really wouldnt solve anything regarding the idea.
Some people love Poz……some people dont…..
We all have our favorites and non favorites………and the verbal duelage makes the day go by faster.
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2011 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
i agree with this
i think he would look a lot better if we had some more talent around him
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
I too am APPALLED
What more can you ask of a guy who is playing beside absolute plugs.
Kyle Williams is the only sure thing on the Bills defense and Paully P is the next closest thing, and as for pro bowl talent goes your stats do the talking and for the third year in a row he has been in the top in the kleague in tackles, that to me makes you pro bowl eligible.
Hes not Urlacher or Lewis but he sure isnt Kawika Mitchell either.
Paully P is a player you can and will win with if hes your starting MLB
Dont punish him because the players around him are incompetent
"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 Jan 18, 2011 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
someone even had a lot of tackles when the Lions went 0-16… just saying but Pozs stats tell very little
Go Bills because I'm a blind homer... sort of
by killascript on Jan 18, 2011 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
no they dont
but when you cross the 110+ threshold three season in a row despite missing games in all three it certainly says something about your tackling ability and nose for the ball carrier. To categorize him as an “also-ran” or “overrated vet” to me is simply not fair. I have never heard Poz called a Pro Bowler, nor have I ever heard him talk about himself as one. He is a guy who shows up and tries to do his job and at the end of the day is productive. If that puts him with the "meh"s instead of the "respectable"s color me confused.
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
Well, I put Keith Ellison in the bottom group, and “He is a guy who shows up and tries to do his job and at the end of the day is productive”, too.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
are we spinning this into a Whitner article.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
God I hope not
Poz has about as many varied opinions from fans as Demetrius Bell, no need to drag Donte into this – hes probably third on the list. Right ahead of Lee Evans
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
he's just not that good
And I want him to be of course, but he cant cover, and moves slow laterally. HOWEVER
I did find some surprisingly better play of his against Miami, as I seen him get after the ball and try to cover less. SO, I will give you and the real Poz the benefit of the doubt when I say he may be playing ot of “position” or at least away from his skill set. My thinking has been that he needs another very good or better ILB next to him in order for the defense to succeed. Problem is, the Bills could use at least one player upgrade at every defensive position DT, DE, OLB, ILB S, CB
Go Bills because I'm a blind homer... sort of
Henne might have been the weakest quarterback we played all year. He didn’t need to worry about covering as much because they weren’t worried about Henne being able to beat them. That could account for some of why his play in the Miami game stood out. Also, I think it lends some evidence to the idea that he could be a better player given a playmaking ILB next to him.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
the defense got much worse
when we dropped london fletcher who only made 150 or so, meanigless tackles a year, too. POZ is not elite, but he is not in the top half of wekanesses either. he is our second strongest player in the front seven and maybe on the whole defense.
Who replaced Fletcher? Poslusny or someone else?
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jan 18, 2011 6:11 PM EST up reply actions
I was out of the country so I missed that.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jan 18, 2011 6:11 PM EST up reply actions
Yup Poz.
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2011 6:31 PM EST up reply actions
no continuity at LB since then
i think poz missed that season with the first wrist injury. mostly unmemorable players, not that fletcher was memorable
Dont punish him because the players around him are incompetent
Totally agree. I think Poz appears slower than he is because he is chasing naturally faster players like RBs and WRs from behind because the other linebackers we started are guys like Torbor
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
huh?
poz appears slow because hes chasing naturally faster guys…? im not just sure that makes a whole lot of sense. is it so much to ask for a linebacker who is both big and fast?
poz is an average run defender (slightly above average on his best day), and is hilariously bad in pass coverage. ill take a guy whose either average at both or excels in one any day of the week over poz
Poz never has a ball carrier funneled by his teammates who can’t seal an edge and outside of Kyle Williams has terrible angles to the ball carrier because no other linebacker can tackle or at least dictate to a back and/or blockers the path of the ball.
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
it feels like the argument for poz here is that with a better supporting cast he wil become a better player. i have no doubt whatsoever that thats true. im just of the opinion that there are better players to be had at this position, and if poz wants elite level money he can go get it somewhere else
oh definitely
I am certainly not a proponent of the idea that Poz is an elite player. I just like him because my favorite players tend to be supporting cast guys with awesome characters a bit of leadership and heart. When the Knicks were dominating in the 90s my favorite player was Hubert Davis for example, a guy who would come off the bench to rain in three pointers when the team needed it. I love Poz and I think he is a good veteran who can be a leader for a young defense. One of the reasons I want an ILB in the draft so badly is I think Poz with a stud next to him could be a great player.
I hope Poz doesnt want elite money. I dont think he will but you never know with athletes anymore.
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
You could almost make that argument for everyone though.......
You have people who are fans of Stroud/Williams/Poz etc……..they wouldnt want their favorite to be one of the ones sacrificed to make the team better.
But if that was the case…….then no one would ever get replaced haha.
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2011 5:10 PM EST up reply actions
i agree when u throw the money in there
no need to pay elite level cash for him, but not worth letting him walk over a few bones, the team will be better with him in 2011 than without him
OK, this may be coincidental, but I find it hilarious that the guys handled “poz” and “PaullyPforPrez” are the ones ripping me to shreds here. :)
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
Well, that’s not the point I was trying to make. Both of these guys have been around for a while, and I’ve spoken at length with both of them. Poz is even a mod. I just think it’s hilarious is all. :)
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
I too thought it was funny.
Ok, phew. I thought I was going to have to get into another debate about my screen name making me biased. Thank you for not making me do that :)
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
ok it would appear that both my responses to you have been accidentally deleted
(or at least I dont think I said anything inflammatory!)
First: to this I said “NEVAH!” haha, its almost as fun to type as it is to yell
On to my retyping below
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
oh please
I hate this argument. Dont you think its probable I named myself after Poz because I think hes a good player and I like his playing style rather than Im defending Poz because of my screen name? Yeesh…
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
haha yes yes
I suppose I should have
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
I think
the point that Brian and others are trying to make is this – if you were to look back in Bills history, there would be similar guys at the position with similar stats that most would look back & say “good, not great.” Hohn Holecek & Sam Cowart come to mind, however I’m not a stat guy & do not have the info to back that up.
ok retype number 2
most would look back & say "good, not great."
I actually totally agree. Just to me this puts him in Group B as opposed to Group E. To me, a “respectable vet” is a guy you want to keep around as opposed to a “meh” guy being someone you want to replace. I suppose it comes down to perspective but to me, I dont think Poz needs to be replaced.
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
This was a fun discussion to read. Sometimes i like to look at the bottom line and here, the bottom line is no matter what category Brian puts Poz in, the Bills still want to try and bring him back. It appears at this point Nix and Gailey agree with you that he is worth having around. And i mean that in no disrespect to Brian’s assesment.
"You are every bit as good as everyone else, but not one bit better."
-Eldred Lee
i thought coawart was pretty damn good
until he ruptured the achilles
spikes was very good pre-injury
if memory serves me both of those guys suffered severe achilles tears, it makes me worry about merriman, although i do not think his achilles issue is severe
TKO is a free agent this year
just saying, he has had a couple of decent seasons on another crappy D.
The front that they both played with was considerably better, it could be argued the safeties were as well.
Top 5/15 defense's.
Yeah and those two ILB’s in Cowart and Holecek were part of top 5 defenses that took their team to the playoffs in back to back seasons…
In ’98 the Buffalo d ranked 15th in pts against [20.8] and 6th in yards against [
In ’99 the Buffalo d ranked 2nd in points against [14.3 ] and 1st in yards against.
"‘Fight on my men,’ Sir Andrew said, ‘a little I’m hurt, but not yet slain.
I’ll just lie down and bleed a while then I’ll rise to fight again.’"
i was not a holecek fan
he was weak against the run or pass and strong against the other based on my recollection
151 tackles
75 of them were after a ten yard gain, so he is good at chasing guys down after they have already made a big play, if he cant cover he will never be any more than ok
by badnewsBills on Jan 18, 2011 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
Possible aquisitions?
not hard to find?
but, we have none, nada, zip, zero…..
While I agree with you that mean, downhill thumpers are what we need, but, they cannot be one dimentional, or they will be abused. They need some brains and athleticism and this makes them harder to find.
do you have anyone in mind?
GO BILLS!
Repeating my viewpoint
from numerous comments sections, the 3-4 defense is not effective unless the LB group has difference makers. This group has trouble shedding blockers, trouble in coverage, and we have (Davis, Ayodele, Torbor) cast-offs from multiple teams as our starters. Think of any good or great 3-4 defense and you will see a Pro-Bowl type LB in there.
This defense will never be in the top half of the leagues’ rankings until this group shows some ability to perform at a higher level than “average-at-best” mode.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jan 18, 2011 12:32 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
How does everyone feel about MSU ILB Greg Jones?
I watch a lot of Big 10 football so I saw him play a number of times and he is ALWAYS around the ball.
Is he a 2nd round prospect?
"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby."
- Buddy Nix
by dnvrBillsfan on Jan 18, 2011 12:34 PM EST via mobile reply actions
He’s more of an OLB to me. Lighter, quicker ‘backer that would excel in a scheme like Tampa’s.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
So he wouldn’t be suitable to line up next to Poz in a traditional 34?
"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby."
- Buddy Nix
by dnvrBillsfan on Jan 18, 2011 1:51 PM EST up reply actions
Poz needs to be the weak-side ‘backer inside, if they’re keeping him, because he’s not aggressive or explosive enough to fill, stack, shed and make a play on the ball like a SAM ‘backer has to be. If they’re keeping Poz, they need the big guy.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
So that’s a no to Poz putting on weight and being a bruiser…
"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby."
- Buddy Nix
by dnvrBillsfan on Jan 18, 2011 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
That’s not his game.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 7:49 PM EST up reply actions
Sheppard from LSU is a guy I like.
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 18, 2011 12:43 PM EST reply actions
We definately need more talent in this group.
Some will stay and some will go. One thing I think we accomplished this year is that Chan was able to put his offense in a position to be successful, but he was unable to put his defense in postion to be successful. When things are all sorted out, I believe the coach hiring for MLB could be the biggest gain. Still we need more talent accross the board. The positive here is we have the expendable players on this list to replace. Bolugun and Ellsion are probably the odd ones out. Poz, we need to find a way for him to be more successful than he has been. Tackles are great but worst run defense two years or more running isn’t.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
Is Hightower from Bama a possibility?
MAYBE this will break the mold , we need to come to play sunday and this year we will not SURRENDER TO KNOW ONE THIS IS BUFFALOOO Godzilla nation
-abayarde
whups
nvm
MAYBE this will break the mold , we need to come to play sunday and this year we will not SURRENDER TO KNOW ONE THIS IS BUFFALOOO Godzilla nation
-abayarde
by uPitt_BillsFan on Jan 18, 2011 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
What is poz more adament about?
Demetris Bell being bad, or Posluszny being underappreciated???
Hypothetical….would you rather have both starting, or neither on the roster?!?!?
~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."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
.would you rather have both starting, or neither on the roster?!?!?
I’d take them both starting because I believe Demetrius Bell is good enough to be on the roster. He’d be a fantastic swing man in a pinch and I’d love to let him continue to learn and develop from the bench and see if one day he is good enough to start. In the meantime let him be a great backup. Because of this, I’d have to settle for letting them both start.
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
here is my thought on poz
he has been out of position since we drafted him yes he is not all that fast so why did we have him playing mlb in a tampa 2 where they regularly drop back 7 to 10 yards to cover the deep middle and in this 3/4 why are we having him cover tight ends and running backs
why not say poz can you add 10 to 15 pounds make him the thumper and draft or sign a better suited player to cover te’s and rb’s
where oh where has aaron maybin gone oh where can he be
was picked so high and not one has seen oh where can maybin be
seriously where the hell is he ?
by Gpluehri on Jan 18, 2011 1:39 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
He reminds me of Tebow
Not NFL caliber, but so hard of a worker that his deficiencies can be partially overcome. Wont ever excel.
MAYBE this will break the mold , we need to come to play sunday and this year we will not SURRENDER TO KNOW ONE THIS IS BUFFALOOO Godzilla nation
-abayarde
by uPitt_BillsFan on Jan 18, 2011 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
This is the Bills' greatest weakness
Brian’s piece hits the nail on the head when it points out that MLB is the greatest weakness on the defense — and probably on the entire team. Those who are wondering why the Bills can’t stop the run should look first at MLB. We desperately need a thumper. But I don’t think they are easy to find. The really good ones who can make a 3-4 defense fly have to be able to close gaps and stop the run, while also being capable of dropping back into coverage and executing the blitz. That’s asking a lot.
Perhaps we can find one in FA if we are willing to shell out the dollars. The draft is tricky. Casey Matthews from Oregon is undersized at 240, but perhaps he could add another 10 lbs. If so, he can do everything and has terrific instincts on the field. Martez Wilson from Illinois might be a possibility. But I wonder in particular whether the Bills should consider drafting Jeremy Beal of Oklahoma and moving him inside. He has the heft and the athleticism, and is a real playmaker.
One other thought/question. What about Danny Batten? My understanding is that he is cross-training to play both inside and outside on coming back from his injury. Might he be the answer at ILB?
(trying to refrain from a victory lap.)
In all seriousness though, why does the front office seem intent on bringing him back if he is what we think he is? How are we sure they’re even intent on bringing him back?
I wish there was some obvious pun you could make about Andrew Luck.
they will bring him back because they know what they have in him and knowing what you have is better than not know at all
where oh where has aaron maybin gone oh where can he be
was picked so high and not one has seen oh where can maybin be
seriously where the hell is he ?
In all seriousness though, why does the front office seem intent on bringing him back if he is what we think he is?
I made an attempt to answer that very question thusly:
Posluszny is a free agent, and it’s very apparent that the team wants to bring him back, as he’s the only productive player of this bunch with an iota of upside left.
How are we sure they’re even intent on bringing him back?
Posluszny told reporters in early January that the team told him, and also told his agent, that they couldn’t negotiate fairly with him without a new CBA in place. Maybe they’re using that as an excuse, but I think it’s legit.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 18, 2011 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with poz about Poz
That said, I got a feeling that if he walks he’ll join the list of defensive players who are starting for other teams. You know those players that we thought we would be able to replace like…
Jabari Greer
Nate Clements
Antoine Winfield
London Fletcher
Takeo Spikes
Pat Williams
Heck, even Lawyer Milloy and Coy Wire are still playing (much to my surprise)
My point is if we just keep the players we thought were replaceable (like Poz) we would probablly have a really good defense. And I’m not denying the fact that our defense needs upgrades, but we start with the weakest links…which Poz is not.
Ironically, the Bills are more likely to hold onto bad players than those who are “productive but replaceable”
by TheNazarene on Jan 18, 2011 3:59 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
In their defense, the Bills offered a fair contract with a time limit to Greer, who waffled until the offer was no longer on the table and went to the Saints, good for him. Nate Clements signed for ridiculous money with the 49ers and hasn’t been very good. Antoine Winfield arguably was replaced by Terrance McGee. London Fletcher, they should have kept him as long as they were in 4-3 defense. Spikes was traded coming off an awful Achilles injury and I think the Bills had some pity to let him go try to play for a contender. Letting go of Pat Williams was a colossal mistake we’re still paying for.
In general, the Bills have let guys go they could and should have. The problem is they haven’t drafted properly to replace those guys. That is where the problem lies. A small market team NEEDS to have above average drafts EVERY YEAR, or all is lost.
Some day the Bills won't suck anymore. Or they'll be in someone else's city.
Exactly.
You hit the head on the nail with most of them. Most teams would have been able to replace at least one or two of them.
Heck, even Lawyer Milloy and Coy Wire are still playing (much to my surprise)
So are JP Losman and Trent Edwards.
by twoeightnine on Jan 18, 2011 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
I see that hardly any of the players TheNazarene listed have been replaced.
Jabari Greer, Nate Clements, and Antoine Winfield are gone and I see a cornerback stable that looks thin as in we know we have Leodis McKelvin to rely on thin.
Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher are gone and I look at a linebacking stable that looks thin as in we know we have Chris Kelsay and Shawne Merriman locked up thin.
Pat Williams is gone and I look at a defensive line that can’t stop the run against anybody.
I think TheNazarene is right – Every single name on that list could be playing for this team and be a huge upgrade then what we have. Every single one.
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
we also could not afford all those guys
only truly upsetting losses on that list for me are greer and winfield. the others wouldve either been completely overpayed or were easily replacable had we been able to draft worth a lick
my turn for huh?
were easily replacable
If this were so NFL experts like Donahoe, Levy, and Modrak would have done so. The fact is they are not easy to replace and is in fact why teams pay to keep their players. Its something we should try. No one wants to overpay but unless you have a Hall of Fame QB its what you have to do to keep a team together. Could we have afforded all of them? No. But we could have afforded Winfield and Williams and probably Fletcher too. And we should have.
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
by poz on Jan 18, 2011 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
spot on with your reply
only pat williams and winfield were worth keeping and mcgee has been pretty good until last two seasons, WE SUCK IN THE DRAFT
Don't forget
Jim Leonard. Who’d a thunk that guy would be the stud he was in Baltimore. I’m not sure if he’s still around though…I don’t recall seeing him play this year.
he was an
injury loss for the Jets down the stretch.
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
hahaha
Rex Ryan brought him over like he did with Bart Scott from Baltimore and hes been a fan favorite and coach favorite starting for them as a gritty little wolverine.
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
Now that you mention the Ryan connection, I do remember that. I just completely forgot. Gritty is a good description. I wonder how it is that he (or others that were let go) got looked over only to shine somewhere else. Scheme perhaps?
to be honest
I really believe that we haven’t had a good team in so long that we forget what one looks like. Mainly, you have a couple of stars and then a bunch of guys who are like Poz – when they all play next to each other they help elevate each other because even though not all of them are great, none is a weak link. In that sense its kind of like a Greek Phalanx or something. So while the fans and media here will see Poz as a good linebacker with lots of flaws you take him and transplant him in the New York Giants defense or Pittsburgh Steelers defense and the fans and media love him as a hustle player who tackles hard and finds the ball and lifts up his team.
I never bought into the idea that Tedy Bruschi was a great linebacker. However he played behind Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren and next to some great linebackers and you had a Poz type guy become a legend in Boston.
i’m sure i’m going to regret this conversation… but what the hell - J2
he was the d captain there pre injury
we thought we were loaded at safety
Sorry, but I think some of you guys are wrong about Poz in coverage.
I admit Poz is rather average to below average when matched up in man coverages situations, but a lot of people don’t appreciate how good he is at dropping into zone coverages and reading the QB’s eyes and progressions. This is something he does well in pass coverage. Every player has their weaknesses. Poz’s doesn’t have the overall speed and agility to excel in man coverage situations. I think most everybody agrees on that, but a lot of people are unfairly overlooking the fact that he plays well in his zone drops. I place at least some of the blame on the coaching staff for getting him matched up in bad matche ups because thats what the scheme or defensive play call dictates. I’m sorry, but thats what I would consider and call BAD COACHING! The coaches are responsible to a certain degree of putting their players in the best situation the to succeed, and they’re not doing that by getting him matched up in man coverage responsibilities, but hell what do I know? I guess it’s just a coincidence that the ILB’s coach was the only guy that got fired. Can you sense the sarcasm yet? Haha!
I suppose it was Poz’s fault when they gave up that TD to Clavin Johnson at the end of the Detroit game? I doubt any MLB in the league makes that play, not even Patrick Willis. Quite simply, the coaching staff has to do a better job of putting their players in favorbale matchups.[cough: Kelsay – Whitner: cough] that play to their strengths.
Have fun trying to explain why it was a good to have Bryan Scott cover the RB coming out the backfield in flat from a shotgun formation. McKelvin plays his cover 2 outside responsiblity while Johnson runs down the hash marks on the MLB in man coverage. Great 2-man under defensive scheme and play call there George Edwards. There is another bit of sarcasm for to if the first time wasn’t enough for you. If a little motion from CJ from the outside to inside slot position is enough to to out scheme the Bills defensive scheme and play call then we have a coaching problem.
Enjoy the video link to the play I just described.
"‘Fight on my men,’ Sir Andrew said, ‘a little I’m hurt, but not yet slain.
I’ll just lie down and bleed a while then I’ll rise to fight again.’"
by mkost84 on Jan 18, 2011 5:17 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
*Should say
A little motion from CJ to a stacked WR formation that gave him an a release to the inside of the field that also changed the coverage responsibilities…
"‘Fight on my men,’ Sir Andrew said, ‘a little I’m hurt, but not yet slain.
I’ll just lie down and bleed a while then I’ll rise to fight again.’"
Poz is not Dick Butkus, nor is he a future HOFer, but........
…. he is one of the few quality young men we have on defense and I will be really PISSED if we do not resign him.
We need him during our rebuild. Or you can just call it a “build” since the defense has so many gaping holes.
If we had a bunch of huge, talented Beef in front of Poz on the line he would be cleaning up.
"Adversity is an opportunity for heroism." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Jan 18, 2011 7:06 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
Poz was damage control
1/2 of Poz’s tackles were chasing down runs to the outside…where the runner blew by the OLB/DE hybrid guy who took 95% of the snaps on defense…I’m talking about you Kelsay! You are worthless! Keep Poz and get someone decent inside to help make a difference…get rid of those loser OLB’s and get a playmaker who can actually get off his block not just look for someone to block him…
by Dingus Day on Jan 18, 2011 8:21 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
Rec'd.
Replace Kelsay, Stroud and Davis. Before OTAs.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jan 18, 2011 10:40 PM EST up reply actions
You said it man!
Hopefully Merriman and/or Moats can help that OLB situation. Kelsay belongs playing most of his snaps lined up as a 43 LDE.
"‘Fight on my men,’ Sir Andrew said, ‘a little I’m hurt, but not yet slain.
I’ll just lie down and bleed a while then I’ll rise to fight again.’"
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