Bills 31, Eagles 24: Three Good And Three Bad
by Der Jaeger on Oct 10, 2011 11:30 AM EDT
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
Email
Print
The Philadelphia Eagles entered Ralph Wilson Stadium with one win for the 2011 season. That count remained the same as they left Buffalo. Philadelphia had more talent, but the Buffalo Bills were the better team. Fred Jackson, an opportunistic defense, and a big first half put Buffalo ahead - then a little luck, some pluck, and Ryan Fitzpatrick's vocal chords sealed the win.
The Bad
10-yard Offense. I didn't think the loss of Lee Evans mattered. Nor did I think Donald Jones was a legitimate deep threat. I'm having second thoughts. All of Fitzpatrick's long passes were catch-and-run types. Maybe some of that is passing against a defense that can get after the quarterback and cover with three starting cornerbacks. This has been a trend for two weeks now, however. Defenses are going Cover 2, taking away the deep shots, and Fitzpatrick is left to dink-and-dunk in the short zones. Buffalo was effective, but eight completions came on Jackson screens or shovel passes - and Fitzpatrick isn't the most accurate passer in the strike zone. Chan Gailey needs to take a look at how to add a more vertical element to the offense.
Athleticism. Philadelphia is arguably the most athletic team in the league. It was a good challenge for the Bills. Buffalo handled Philadelphia's pass rush well. They couldn't get deep against their secondary. DeSean Jackson and Jason Avant were a nightmare to cover for Buffalo defenders in the slot. Anything Philadelphia did on the edge of the Buffalo defense worked. As mentioned last week, Buddy Nix built this team from the football out. It will do well in the poor weather conditions in December and (gulp) January. Nix needs to add some athletes next.
Edge Defense. This seems a bit redundant, but it's worth noting. Buffalo's cupboard is not bare here. Arthur Moats caused a Michael Vick interception by rag-dolling Todd Herremans, who weighs 60 pounds more than Moats. Shawne Merriman had one sack and would have had several more if not for Vick's ridiculous athletic skills. Alex Carrington was in Vick's face a few times. In general, though, the outside linebackers and cornerbacks had a shaky day. LeSean McCoy got outside on the defense at will in the second half. Bubble screens to Eagles receivers were hard for Bills defenders to reach. If draft day were tomorrow, outside linebacker and cornerback should be the team's first two selections.
The Good
Gailey's Game Plan. For a self-described pass-first team, Buffalo ran to set up the pass on Sunday. The first drive was telling of how the afternoon would progress, as Jackson ran a lot and Fitzpatrick threw only one pass. In total, Gailey called 32 runs and 27 passes, Fitzpatrick's three kneel-downs notwithstanding. Gailey is not an ideologue. The Eagles' defense puts both defensive ends into "wide nine" positioning, meaning both ends play outside the last blocker and keep contain on their way to the quarterback. The two defensive tackles play one gap, and each linebacker is responsible for a gap. That's seven players for seven gaps, with the defensive line in penetration mode. It's a lot like the Tampa 2 in that regard, and it also means only one defender has to be moved out of a gap for a run to work. Gailey knew this, and went after it.
Safety Production. For the second straight week, Buffalo's safeties played well. George Wilson was shot out of a cannon, registering 11 solo tackles, one interception, one tackle for loss, two passes defended, one quarterback hit, and one tone-setting hit on Vick where Vick's momentum stopped like a car hitting a wall. Many of Wilson's tackles were in space against great athletes. The dependable Jairus Byrd had eight solo tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass defended. He also forced a fumble on Jason Avant and recovered it himself. Bryan Scott chipped in with five tackles, four of which were solo. What Buffalo isn't getting on the edge, they are getting up the middle.
Young Player Production. Sometimes average teams get really good seemingly overnight. This almost never comes through free agency; instead, it happens when a bunch of young players develop and make plays roughly about the same time. Moats needs to play more. He's a difference-maker, regardless of how tall he isn't. Carrington played well and looked disruptive, and almost ready to be the team's starting right end. Kelvin Sheppard looked fast. He was generally in the right spot. Marcell Dareus continues to be a man. He only registered one pressure and hit, but it was a big play. He's also attracting a lot of blockers. Eric Wood and Andy Levitre played well, but fans knew they would. Chris Hairston played well considering it was his first game. He might force Gailey to make some choices at left tackle, seeing that Demetrius Bell was playing well before he was injured. That's a nice problem to have. Even C.J. Spiller ran well the two times he touched the ball. Building through the draft takes time, but the fruits of the labor are far better.
Outlook
The Eagles started to gain traction in the second half, and if the game went five minutes longer, the Eagles probably would have won. Buffalo was having issues stopping the array of Eagle athletes, and Buffalo's offense bogged down as Philadelphia packed the short zones with defenders.
The game wasn't 65 minutes long, and Buffalo won. Despite Philadelphia's 1-3 record entering the game, the Eagles are part of the NFL elite. They were, and still are, a team far too talented to not be in the playoffs. Keeping that in mind, Buffalo has now beaten two elite teams and a tough Raiders team. Even the loss to the Bengals doesn't look so bad now.
Gailey and the coaching staff have the team believing in itself. They beat the Patriots, beat a power running team, can execute difficult comebacks, and now held on to a win in the second half. Buffalo's next goal is to keep the best pass rush in the league at bay next Sunday in New Jersey against the New York Giants.
176 comments
|
8 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Playing while ahead
Maybe it’s all my nail-biting so that time only appears to slow. But the last couple weeks I thought our offense was very effective early in the hurry-up and far less effective when we “protect a lead?” by slowing things down and letting the play clock run.
I also think teams playing from behind have an advantage this year. When you play from behind, you take to the air. And for some reason, nfl passing defense is virtually non-existent this season.
My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.
I will repeat my consipracy theory, holding and illegal blocks are not being called on offenses. So its like a free for all.
Desean Jackson’s TD had 3-4 blocks on Bills players that were from behind. How can you stop that? How the heck is it not called? I’m guessing the Bills benefit from this too. But I thought this was just out of control. I get it if someone misses one, but there were Bills players sprawled all over the field because they’d been shoves in the back or tackled. When did football rules change? Am I wearing a tinfoil hat? The league is up to something…
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Oct 10, 2011 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
I get too emotional and don’t trust myself to criticize the refs, because of course i always think they’re calling things against us.
But what about our offense stagnating once we establish a lead? Is it just me or do we slow things down? I thought early we got into formation very quickly and caught philly on their heels — they even had to waste 2 time outs in the 1st half because their defense couldn’t set. Then we get a lead and . . .
My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.
I get too emotional and don’t trust myself to criticize the refs, because of course i always think they’re calling things against us.
Ha, me too. But thats why I have to look for validation occasionally, make sure I’m not just being a total homer.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Oct 10, 2011 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
How many corners does your tinfoil hat have? Mine has three(plus an antenna)! You are not alone….in addition to the instances you mention, how about that one spot where they gave the Eagles a first down when the receiver was stopped 1.5 yds. from where they spotted the ball? Almost criminal…
This team is making me skeptical of my skepticism- putting the crow in the oven to slow roast.
I think many of the refs are just generally terrible at their jobs. Why are many of them so old? Do thy get vision and hearing tests every season? Physicals? The officiating has literally been disturbing all over the league this season.
"WE PROTECT AND LIVE FOR THE HONOR OF RIDING IN THE WAGON BLASTER" -abayarde
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Oct 10, 2011 12:07 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I've said this elsewhere
But the NFL and AQ 1A NCAA FB need full time officials. With the dough the NFL is raking in there is absolute NO EXCUSE for them to not have full time officials other than they’re being cheap. These guys needs to train year round at their craft just like the players do. There’s also enough money in the NCAA at the major FB level to make it work, especially if the NFL helps and sets it up like a true feeder system. let the HS and lower level NCAA refs work at it to try and get the call up.
This won’t eliminate the problem, but it should reduce it by making sure the refs are in top physical performance and training on where to be on the field and so on.
We will not rest until we see these capitalist octopuses annihilated.
-Che Marrone
Like you, I am flabbergasted that the NFL doesn’t have full-time officials. It is that much more mind-boggling when you consider this is the by far the wealthiest professional league in the nation.
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Oct 10, 2011 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I have noticed chop blocks seem to be en vogue this season.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 10, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
and the newest blocking scheme...
the lineman takedown..
Optimistic??? Of course I am!! I'm a Bills fan, and as of right now, we are undefeated on the regular season!!!
Things are truly looking up!!!
I will repeat my consipracy theory, holding and illegal blocks are not being called on offenses. So its like a free for all.
You are not alone. I’ve been thinking this for a few weeks now too. I’m sure the league would think a high scoring explosive game is more preferrable than a fundamentally sound game. More points equals more excitement for fantasy football. I’m not bashing FF, I rather enjoy it, but pushing that product helps the NFL keep interest among fans. They certainly have a reason to push for a higher scoring producting game.
by NordicBillsfan on Oct 10, 2011 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m surprised Merriman hasn’t said anything to the media about the “attention” he’s getting from blockers. He’s held like every play. Lineman are climbing on him like a jungle gym.
"WE PROTECT AND LIVE FOR THE HONOR OF RIDING IN THE WAGON BLASTER" -abayarde
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Oct 10, 2011 12:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
thank you!
I was beginning to wonder if I was seeing things….
Optimistic??? Of course I am!! I'm a Bills fan, and as of right now, we are undefeated on the regular season!!!
Things are truly looking up!!!
almost every play
i am screaming at the tv, because merriman is getting choked out by the tackle. yet, he doesn’t complain publicly and just lines up to play again. I like that about him.
by Bestbillieve86 on Oct 11, 2011 2:33 AM EDT up reply actions
if the game went five minutes longer the eagles would have won?????????
golly gee….and if the bils knew the game was gonna last five minutes longer?
they would have lost ?
can we stop this nonsense about if the game was longer the pats would have won.
if the game went longer the eagles would have won.
look, both teams, the officials, all the coaches play the game for 60 minutes…..
the game is and will most likely always be 60 minutes.
we won the game.
enough said.
Don't be so literal
DJ’s statement is observational and meant to illustrate that Philly’s talent was taking over the game, which is true enough. If the game were longer, or the Eagles had managed to pull their collective head out of their rear end sooner, the Bills probably lose. The Bills won because they were a better coached team, forced the Eagles to make mistakes and made plays when they had to, but from a pure physical talent stand point they still aren’t on par with the likes of Philly or New England.
It’s very similar to the NCAA men’s basketball tournament where the 14/15/16 seed hangs with the 3/2/1 seed for three quarters of the game and runs out of gas in the last 5-10 minutes. Great game planning and great effort will only go so far, and most times the superior physical talent will win in the end.
The Bills are closing the talent gap and are getting close, but the gap’s still there. Yesterday’s game showed that.
We will not rest until we see these capitalist octopuses annihilated.
-Che Marrone
And you don’t think the Bills were working the clock based on how much time was actually there? Playcalling and clock management occurred based on the game that was being played, not some hypothetical game that was 5 or 10 minutes longer.
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Oct 10, 2011 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Awesome write up Der Jaeger
Having attended first 3 games I have seen how speed to or at the edge causes us problems.
As for this year I can only see a few things we can do to help. Some you have mentioned (Moats, Carrington). It will help to get Terrence McGee back in as he turns in runners very well. As does young Aaron Williams. In dime play them outside.
The other guy that needs to be on the field more is Kelvin Sheppard.
excellent as always, DJ.
This team is making me skeptical of my skepticism- putting the crow in the oven to slow roast.
by fansince60 on Oct 10, 2011 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The other guy that needs to be on the field more is Kelvin Sheppard.
When he played yesterday, who was he replacing on the field?
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Oct 10, 2011 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
played in our big nickel
Davis is usually subbed for by Scott
In the Big Nickel Sheppard played for Scott. Funny on Picture of INT by BArnett you can see Scott cheering on sideline.
They definitely have the “we” thing going – great to see!
Thanks – very helpful.
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Oct 10, 2011 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
In Chan Gailey’s post-game presser he said that they had specific sub-packages that included Sheppard and (implied) Moats. So to be accurate Sheppard did not replace anyone but was playing in a scheme group.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Oct 10, 2011 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
You too – thanks.
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Oct 10, 2011 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
New Jersey against the New York Giants.
i hate the fact that they’re called a new york team while playing in jersey
2011 author-mod pick'em -poz
I'll knock the bieber out of brady - arthur moats @dabody52
2011 -adopted offensive player roscoe parrish(IR) david nelson
2011-adopted defensive player arthur moats
It does stink. I think everyone knows who the real New York NFL team is.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 10, 2011 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Yet the Bills remain the one team NOT on the SBN New York sub-page. WTF.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 10, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, people really should get over the “they don’t play in NY!” thing…we don’t play in Buffalo. Should we change our name? No. It’s a silly debate.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
there's a huge difference in a town and a state
if that wasn’t the case we could call ourselves the los angeles bills and still play in buffalo
im sure everybody is tired of it but the bills are the only team in the state of new york
2011 author-mod pick'em -poz
I'll knock the bieber out of brady - arthur moats @dabody52
2011 -adopted offensive player roscoe parrish(IR) david nelson
2011-adopted defensive player arthur moats
HUGE difference.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 10, 2011 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
to be fair northern NJ
where the Giants and Jets play is culturally and economically wedded to New York City pretty intimately
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
Go bye the taxes. O.P. and Buffalo are still in the same county, same state. Jets/Giants…not so much.
by PineWoodsBillsFan on Oct 10, 2011 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Orchard Park is a suburb of Buffalo, part of New York State.
New Jersey is a state in the US, not part of New York.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 10, 2011 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And northern New Jersey has always been considered the suburbs of NYC.
Cincinnati airport is in Covington, KY.
This is definitely something people should get over, IMO. Who the heck cares?
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Oct 10, 2011 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions
While I do understand the sentiment behind the fact that upstate typically gets ignored in NY politics, as a general rule, is there any concrete way in which NY state taxpayers are shafted by these teams playing in NJ? Did the state of NY pay for the stadiums in NJ?
What I am suggesting people get over is the whole “we’re the only team in NY state.” What do you hope to accomplish? And again, if it’s tax payers, in what way are they getting shafted?
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Oct 11, 2011 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
, is there any concrete way in which NY state taxpayers are shafted by these teams playing in NJ?
yes, specifically sales tax on merchandise, ticket sales etc….
11 years of losing has taught me just a smidge of humility. - k8
by J2 on Oct 11, 2011 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Pretty sure both the Giants and Jets are incorporated in New York. They just happen to play their games in New Jersey.
"Teams that don't deserve to win....
Usually don’t. Today is no exception." -- Mr HugePes
"Nick Barnett is everywhere. He is behind you right now." -- Munchausen
by ChuckBuffInFlo on Oct 11, 2011 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
yes, but any sales at the stadium goes to NJ’s tax payers does it not?
I won’t pretend to know how the structure is laid out if you purchase tickets online or something but fact of the matter is we are losing sales tax on a product that we helped fund because of it’s location that is out of the state.
11 years of losing has taught me just a smidge of humility. - k8
by J2 on Oct 11, 2011 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Sales Taxes at the game to NJ
Profits and all online sales to NY via the Giants/Jets offices. Both organizations also pay some sort of tax to NY for operating in the state. Also, all employees, including the players, get paid by these New York companies, even ’though they work in New Jersey. It gets complicated, but people that live down there know the ins and outs of the tax laws. Bottom line: New York State gets tax income from the Jets and Giants. Of course, they get all the taxes due from the Bills.
"Teams that don't deserve to win....
Usually don’t. Today is no exception." -- Mr HugePes
"Nick Barnett is everywhere. He is behind you right now." -- Munchausen
by ChuckBuffInFlo on Oct 11, 2011 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
This again hits every key nail on the head
These postgame write-ups by DJ are becoming true works of art. I agree with everything, especially the need to do something about the vertical passing game to keep defenses honest (my suggestion remains to at least try sending David Nelson deep — it can’t hurt to give it a shot four or five times and see what happens). It also seems obvious that the priorities in the draft next year should be OLB and CB (though I wouldn’t give up hope on Danny Batten yet, and Justin Rogers may be the eventual answer as a starting CB once he masters more technique). And the Safety play has been truly awesome.
It found it interesting that Gailey in his interviews this past week kept emphasizing how his preference is to use the pass to set up the run, while of course he did just the opposite in his game-planning for the Eagles. Chan is a very cool character who has as many evasive moves as Fred Jackson.
Much appreciated
I’d give Nelson a shot deep. He probably isn’t fast enough but his height alone gives him an advantage on any fade.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
His time in the 40 at the combine was faster than Stevie Johnson’s, so if Stevie can run deep routes why can’t Nelson? I watched Nelson at training camp last year line up against Leodis McKelvin in 7-on-7 drills and he invariably beat Leo getting downfield. His speed is deceptive, since he takes such long strides, but it is there and can be very effective if he is given a chance. Given the fact that we don’t have any other good options on deep routes at the moment (even Stevie Johnson is slowed down by his groin pull) it seems only sensible to try out Nelson and see what he can do (while continuing to use him in the slot).
But you're comparing to McKelvin
And McKelvin is better going forward than backward, and gets burned deep by everyone.
Johnson gets deep via height, long-arms, and jumping. Even a healthy Johnson poses little consistent deep threat to a good corner. Johnson runs great routes, something of a lost art, and can sneak up on a defense the way Rod Smith used to. But he’s not going to get bracket coverage deep.
Nelson is the same way.
Evans, conversely, could just run fast and by almost any corner in the league. There was no route running involved, so setting it up through the game. It was just vertical speed that had to be respected.
So they might get a great deep ball here and there, but it’s not enough to pull a defense out of the short zones. It’s definitely not enough for a defense to scheme to prevent the deep play.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
TWSS
Even a healthy Johnson poses little consistent deep threat
2011 author-mod pick'em -poz
I'll knock the bieber out of brady - arthur moats @dabody52
2011 -adopted offensive player roscoe parrish(IR) david nelson
2011-adopted defensive player arthur moats
That’s a good find lol
"WE PROTECT AND LIVE FOR THE HONOR OF RIDING IN THE WAGON BLASTER" -abayarde
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Oct 10, 2011 1:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
That sounds like a problem.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 10, 2011 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d say that if Nelson could establish himself as a potential deep threat alongside Stevie that would be enough to make defenses more tentative — which is the main objective at this point. I’m not at all suggesting that the Bills shouldn’t look for a super-fast WR in next year’s draft, as you would like. I’m all for that, and the guy from Penn State sounds very intriguing. I’m saying that we have to do something about the situation we face this year, and for that Nelson seems like a good possible remedy (as I think you agree). And if Nelson shows that he can run vertical on occasion, that makes him all the more valuable in the long run.
I agree
But I just don’t see Johnson and Nelson dictating a gameplan to take away deep routes. Or pulling coverage from the short zones.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Who cares
We had a ‘deep threat’ for years in Evans. Where’d that gets us as an offense and as a team?
The whole deep threat idea sounds great on paper. But I haevn’t seen how it translates to wins at all.
It doesn’t translate to wins. It translates to a defense that has to defend at least one side of the field deep. That loosens the short zones up for guys like Johnson, and especially Nelson.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
My point
Is that its an overrated trait. There r other ways to skin a cat. We didnt win when a deep threat was on the team. And we r winning without having one now. So Jones is hurt. Who cares? We plug in the next guy and move on. And win. Gaily is smart enough to find how to move the ball with new weapons.
It mattered in the 4th qtr
It mattered in the last two games, one we lost and another which was getting to close for comfort!
Don't agree
You seriously feel not having a deep threat is the reason our offense stalled in the 4th quarter of those games? Come on. The offense stalled because we were protecting leads. Fitz is a boom or bust player that plays on the edge of disaster, each and every time he throws the ball. As soon as he shifts down a gear, playing w the lead/mistake free, it’s been a struggle. This I chaulk the performance up to. Not the lack of a lee Evans.
Plus he can play the ball better than most.
He knows how to position himself between the defender and the ball. He has great hand eye coordination.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
Deep Threat!
what about Spiller? Brad Smith? they could go deep. I dont know why Nelson has disappeared in the last two games. He’s such a good slot guy.
I also believe Donald Jones is awesome at run after catch, and this does not get talked about. Get well soon Donald!
Also, you are right about Chan, very cool indeed he is. Did know who the heck he was when we hired him, but i liked him from his first press conference on.
Threat has to be credible
Spiller and Smith are fast but not able to consistently make the catch on vertical routes.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
I keep hearing how Philly has more talent
They have more speed and they have Nnamdi, but do they have more talent? Honestly. Do they? I don’t see it. Talent to me, comes with an ability to succeed. They lack that ability. They put up stats but this isn’t fantasy football.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 10, 2011 11:50 AM EDT reply actions
If you lined the teams up and compared, yes they are more talented.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
The Bills are spending their money while the Eagles are waiting for their bonds to mature.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 10, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Let's line them up though
Vick vs. Fitzpatrick. We love Ryan, but Vick’s a Pro Bowl QB. And they have a better back-up QB in Vince Young.
Running backs: McCoy is good, but Jackson is better. Overall, advantage Buffalo with Spiller.
Receivers: We love the Goon Squad, by Jackson, Avant, and Maclin are way more talented. Even Stevie Johnson can’t separate the way Maclin and Jackson can. Phily here.
Tight ends: Celek is better than Chandler.
OT’s: Peters is a better LT that Bell or Hairston, and it’s at wash at RT. Herremans is decent and so is Pears.
G: Bills
C: Bills
DT: Bills
DE/Edge rushers: Eagles with Babin and Cole, who are both elite on the outside.
ILB’s: Bills
CB: Eagles
Safeties: Bills
Defense is a bit of a wash, but Phily on offense has better receivers and an elite LT to play with a good back and a franchise QB. That’s more than Buffalo, no matter how much we love our guys.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
but yesterday
the better TEAM won, and that is the bottom line…
Optimistic??? Of course I am!! I'm a Bills fan, and as of right now, we are undefeated on the regular season!!!
Things are truly looking up!!!
That's almost exactly what I wrote in the story
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Moats needs to play more. He’s a difference-maker, regardless of how tall he isn’t.
I couldn’t agree more.
Also, do you feel that we went the the wide receiver screen too much in the second half?
"Sit down and watch my Buffalo Bills destroy your Kingdome" - Abayarde
Chris Kelsay is a good football player.
Buffalo or Phily?
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Buffalo
"Sit down and watch my Buffalo Bills destroy your Kingdome" - Abayarde
Chris Kelsay is a good football player.
by nickdaniels on Oct 10, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes
Donald Jones and Parrish are the only two receivers that can really run that well. Spiller and Jackson spread wide running a receiver screen is too obvious.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Great write-up DJ
Really excited about our young guns and their impact now and in the future.
MOATS first and foremost and then Williams, Sheppard and Batten. There are plenty of smaller players that just know how to play the game and Sir Arthur is one of them.
As for our lack of a deep threat, would Lee Evans have been on the sidelines the past month with an injury if he had still been here? Impossible to know except the only consolation is he isn’t lighting it up for them in B-more.
Getting some value for Lee was still a prudent move to make at the time it was made and that’s the only way you can judge a decision IMO.
by AlwaysaBillinPhilly on Oct 10, 2011 11:58 AM EDT reply actions
Very curious about the cover-2 stuff...
I’d think the team should be set up well to offset a cover-2 defense. Heady, possession receivers that lack straight-line speed and all.
“greysquirrel” quipped yesterday that Jones ran a similar 40-time to Evans’. I don’t take much stock in that. Evans played fast. Jones doesn’t look comfortable playing fast. It’s the short shuttle stuff that matter most during more NFL plays. Evans, while more invisible than he should have been the previous two season, was likely a long-route beast who tied up a defender just long enough. I don’t see Donald Jones as anywhere near equal to Lee Evans. He commands less attention, for one. He looks slower than he should, for another.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 10, 2011 11:59 AM EDT reply actions
I think the loss of Easley and now Jones matters — not Evans. Evans is sort of a red herring given we’ve had two receivers capable of playing outside go down with injuries (plus a burner in Parrish). Given that Evans is also missing time, not sure that having him on the roster would solve any of that.
It’s hard for our deep passing game to overcome the loss of all these receivers. We need Jones back in a bad way.
Maybe Evans played fast, maybe he didn’t. He was a deep threat, but that doesn’t mean he had elite speed. My point is its not like we are missing something these receivers are incapable of physically doing (running a deep pattern that demands someone worry about them). Both Jones and Easley would do that. But we are seriously running out of receivers — thats the bigger issue.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Oct 10, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Please note I wasn’t deriding your commentary. Just didn’t think that thread would live long enough to expound on the thought from my perspective, and felt it was important enough to discuss further.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 10, 2011 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Fair enough, I guess I just was pointing out Evans measurables were not as rare as we sometimes quipped here. I was surprised that Jones and Easley had similar 40 times. Not that they are replacements, but they are important pieces to the current group of players that are missing. I think their absence is going to be our first order problem.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Oct 10, 2011 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it boils down to this for me: Evans had proven capable of successfully stretching a defense on a consistent basis. Even healthy, Jones and Easley hasn’t done that. I’d hoped the Bills kept that veteran ability around when the time came where it was needed. Sure, Jones has caught a few long passes, but he looks unable to stride out for that separation run. Maybe it’s inexperience but, again, I wished they kept some experience there.
None of it matters now. It’s their job to find someone capable.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 10, 2011 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess my point is only what we may have been missing in the second half wasn’t Evans, but a capable guy who can play outside. You may not think he is a deep threat like Evans, but we are gonna miss Donald Jones. To me that injury (and Easley’s before it) is what is leaving our deeper passing game in question. More so than the loss of Evans. Guys like roosevelt can’t plug-in there. They aren’t as big, or as fast. Both those guys were legit athletes at the outside spot and their loss is what concerns me, not whether or not Lee Evans would help the situation. To focus on Lee to me says these guys are irrelevant to the deep passing game, and I don’t think thats true. They were our depth at the position.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Oct 10, 2011 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
He was a deep threat, but that doesn’t mean he had elite speed.
I think this statement is TAT’s point. Regardless of their 40 speed, Evans really was a true deep threat (even if that’s all he really excelled at), and Jones is not really that same deep threat.
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Oct 10, 2011 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t see Donald Jones as anywhere near equal to Lee Evans. He commands less attention, for one. He looks slower than he should, for another.
Well they are not equal. Donald is better at some things and worse than others. But thats not he point — nor should it be. I am kinds shocked if you are aware how much attention he is garnering (I don’t believe it frankly). Speed looked fine in the pats game.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Oct 10, 2011 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree about Evans and Jones
But the Cover 2 isn’t necessarily a deep-ball take away in terms of a double team. Look at what Buffalo did vs. New England, another team without a vertical threat. With Byrd and Wilson back, Ochocinco and Branch couldn’t get deep. When the Pats couldn’t get deep, Byrd and Wilson collapsed on the 10-yard passes, evident by Byrd’s numerous pass break-ups in that game.
Unless a team can force one of those safeties to respect the deep ball, that safety will sit down at 10 yards and compress the passing game. Right now, Buffalo is facing defenses that are doing it with both safeties.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Truth or belief?
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 10, 2011 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Dead on DJ. Here are some more thoughts and observations through five weeks.
Hairston played well, but our offense was designed to get the ball out of Fitz hand very quickly. This is more strategy by Gailey than it is due to personnel on the field but until we see Fitz camped out in the pocket we will not see much verticle threats. D. Bell brings more at this time than Hairston to allow Fitz the time needed to go deep. One thought regarding the deep pass that has been missing. Stevie has been playing hurt the past month. Every week he needs time to rest before practicing. He is playing limited. His touchdown catch against the Chiefs where he went three feet up to make the play was playmaker stuff all on him. We do not have that with this young group. The one player IMO that has demonstrated this ability other than Stevie is David Nelson. David has the ability to go up, out, parrallel whatever to make the play. This is what is needed. Fitz will put the ball out there, what we don’t have is the WR to make the play. Our guys need to be open and Fitz needs to be VERY accurate for us to connect. I also want to mention Naaman Roosevelt. He too has demonstrated to me the ability to make tough catches, he will need more time to adjust to the offense but those two guys have playmaker ability that has yet to be called on. Until they are called on we may live with the crossing routes, screens, shuttle passes for a couple more weeks.
The young bucks are starting to make some noise. They are buying into things in a big way. Our weakness going into 2011 was depth. The one thing missing was contribution from our draftee’s. The coaches are finding ways to make them contribute and they are stepping forward. This is a good thing to see. Very good right up. Still looking for a pass rush of biblical proportions that seems to be one of the very main ingredients missing to this point. The pressure is getting there, the hits are not.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
The key going forward is adding the right-minded players
eg: Janoris Jenkins is a great cover corner, but I wouldn’t draft him on this team. I’d add Devin Taylor though, who by all accounts is a big-time team player.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
The Philadelphia Eagles entered Ralph Wilson Stadium with one win for the 2011 season. That count remained the same as they left Buffalo.
They were duly warned. They could enter, but they would leave without a soul.
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
by Dyl on Oct 10, 2011 12:23 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Now the biggest question in my mind is whether this team can do it on the road. They lost that close game to Cinci. Can they win the contests (that are not total blowouts, as KC was) on the road? Next big question to answer.
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
My hope is in the Giants
They typically lay eggs at home and play well on the road.
Otherwise, that Giant defense matches up well with Buffalo.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
They typically lay eggs at home and play well on the road.
Dang, you’re right about that. That’s falling into place really nicely for the Bills.
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Oct 10, 2011 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions
If Buffalo can get through this road trip of NYG, NYJ and Dallas 2-1...
They are sitting quite nicely at 6-2 at the halfway point. With five home games remaining.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
…except one of those “home” games is up in Toronto.
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Oct 10, 2011 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions
This year may be different
It’s been different in every other way.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
I am hoping so, but the Redskins are not looking like an easy game at all.
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Oct 10, 2011 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Schedule
It seems that at first, I wasn’t very scared of the schedule. I thought KC, Oakland, Cinci, and NY could be wins, and we could start 3-3 and 4-2. Now, however, I think the first 6 weeks of this season are incredibly difficult…I was wrong, we have a very hard schedule. But I look forward to what Gailey can do against the Giants’ defensive backfield. It will be fun to watch next week.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
3 road games in a row, late in the season.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 10, 2011 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
it will be fun
until the Bills decide to give me another heart attack and let the Giants get within 3 points before winning :)
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
Yeah, but after ten minutes of terror…fun again for a whole week :)
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
Opponents records
Here are the records of the opponents of all the 4-1 or better teams (subtracting the game that that specific team played against them).
Buffalo: 12-8
New Orleans: 11-8
San Francisco: 11-8
Green Bay: 10-9
New England: 10-9
Detroit: 8-7 (will be 10-9 after tonight’s game, regardless of outcome)
San Diego: 6-13
So, at this point in the season, the Bills have had the toughest schedule of any team that is currently 4-1, 4-0 or 5-0.
"I could have conquered Europe, all of it, but I had women in my life." - King Henry II of England
by Calvert on Oct 10, 2011 1:12 PM EDT reply actions 5 recs
That looks like the Bills could have a fun time with San Diego. It’s been my opinion that San Diego has come by their 4 wins against some bad teams, but your stats above quantify that opinion a bit more.
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Oct 10, 2011 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, Lions and Packers will have to play each other twice still. That will up their schedule difficulty later on in the season.
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Oct 10, 2011 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Not for certain I would call our passing attack a bad thing
When you’ve got Nnamdi, Asante Samuel, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the backfield, why try to deep ball it to them when Philly’s front 7 is soft and exploitable?
Fitz was 21 of 27 for only 193 yards with 1 td and 1 int. We spent a lot of time killing them with Fred, all we really needed was for Fitz to be efficient.
by Wien on Oct 10, 2011 1:16 PM EDT reply actions 4 recs
Agreed, although the 4th Q was a bit hard to stomach.
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Oct 10, 2011 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Jones....
Getting jones comfortable as a starter who needs to produce is one of Chan Gailey’s greatest needs and if they do it, greatest accomplishments. It is a fantastic story this season, it really is. Thrilling ups and horrible downs.
I think Fitzmagic has been hard to find the last couple of weeks. He’s not seeing the field as well or moving as well as wks. 1 – 3 IMHO. It just isn’t play calling and unopen receivers. Let’s share the blame equally, like the Bills.
I think our secondary, right now, looks much better than most, as certainly is a strength going into week 6. McGee, Williams, Rogers, and Wheatley give us great hope for the long season and I think McKelvin is battling just fine now and could play himself back into good starter territory or maybe more…..
Byrd and Wilson are playing at (not near) pro bowl level, I was wrong.I apologize.
Moats, batten and Sheppard offer an awful lot of hope for major improvement this season. It is very exciting.
Merriman too, as he is trying to get healthy and play football now. Hopefully, after he meets his bonus criteria, he will let loose, attract ohhs and ahhs, and continue to play, it’s possible.
Anyone care to hazard a guess at why Kyle is not showing up on the stat sheet this year?
Is he hurt?
I really like this team, and I think it can play much better as the season wears on….. No more injuries to receivers please! Knock on wood! No jinxes, no jinxes, no jinxes, whammo!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
How much does Reggie Corner have to be enjoying this opportunity – he didn’t make the team, then McGee goes down on like the 2nd play of the season. Corner comes back – gets to play on a good team after suffering through the Jauron years, and has even made a play or two.
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Oct 10, 2011 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions
We sure didn’t miss Poz and Witner. Don’t think we would have won yesterday if Barnett and Wilson weren’t playing.
by jhloje on Oct 10, 2011 1:51 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
fwiw.....
…..from what I read on the web, Poz, Sessions and the re-vampled Jags LB corps are playing well
by PineWoodsBillsFan on Oct 10, 2011 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll address the edge defense first!
This more a scheme issue than a personnel issue and is easily fixed. You pull the OLB’s off the line of scrimmage and move them more outside. You set the DE’s on the outside shoulder of the tackles. This is what a classic 3-4 is and that adjustment should have been made during the game. If you look at the hybrid the Bills are running, everyone is packed in the middle of the field and it was just a matter of time before teams schemed to attack that.
But we aren't playing.....
A traditional 3-4 ……we are playing mostly a 2-3-6 and if we backed-up the LBs we would too weak inside.
It’ll be nice to watch the game again to see what could be done. My guess is better anticipation and better refereeing ;)
Go bills!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
Your missing the point!
Moving the LB back makes it more difficult for the tackles to seal the edge. You make changes throughout the game to counter. When they started running wide you change, shut it down. You can’t show the same defense, the offenses will adapt. Look at the total yardage given up. On the long McCoy run, it was actually a rookie mistake by Carrington, with no LB behind him he took an inside rush up the field allowing McCoy to get outside. If I’m not mistaken, given the defense, he should have taken an outside rush only as not to lose contain. Players make mistakes, schemes must be sound based on taking away your opponents strengths. I’m not going to whine as the Bills won, but….they will need to change things up a little both offensively and defensively. Opponents have 5 weeks of film to study Bill’s tendencies.
No....
I got the point… I was saying that you’re robbing Peter to pay Paul……but, your new point that you have to mix it up and change during the game is certainly valid. I think we are getting there though…..I thought we blitzed a lot more than ever before yesterday and playing Sheppard was a new wrinkle. Hopefully we continue to evolve (allthewhile blitzing more :)
Go Bills!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
Yes we did blitz!
I was very impressed with Kelvin Sheppards speed. Just a matter of time before he supplants Davis.
Then you start to be vulnerable inside.
Buffalo doesn’t have true NT’s or 5 technique ends to do this.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
I think they can get by
Dareus would be stout enough to move into the middle. I’m not saying change what they have just add to the repertoire. Add some looks, mix it up, you can’t keep getting beat to the outside.
perhaps
A look of Edwards, Dareus, and Carrington for your front. Thats a little beefcake. Merriman, Sheppard, Barnett, and Moats at LB. The OLB’s standing up, 1 yard back and outside the tackles. Just one new look for the offenses to ponder.
Where's Kyle Williams?
You’d strengthen the team on the edge schematically by taking the defense’s best player off the field?
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Not long term
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
He hasn't been this year.
For whatever reason, Williams has been very quiet this year. If necessary yes, I’m only interested in results.
I'm not saying
Not scrap the current scheme, only add another. Flexibility my man! Kyle will be on the field plenty!
Vick vs. Obi-wan Fitzmagic.....
You can say how talented the Eagles and Vick are all you want, but I’ll take Obi-wan Fitzmagic for i know two things…..
One, Fitz can play a lot better than he did yesterday, and two, there is no way, Vick makes it through the season. There are screwed. The only way Vick is available for the playoffs is if he gets knocked out for a bunch a games now, and returns healthy late in the year. But if that happens, the birds don’t win enough to make playoffs. IMHO, they are screwed.
Go Bills!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
I agree that Vick won’t last the season. The storm is coming.
On a related note…I’m going to do my best to trade him while I can.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 10, 2011 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
The storm......
Also, I would be very surprised if their smallish skill players could survive the season and post-season….
PodunkO - The great post ender!
The Bills have scored 3 points
The Bills have scored a total of 3 points total in the fourth quarter of the last two games. They have had leads and cannot sustain drives. One, the Bills cannot sit in a one-back set and expect to run the football with the opponents having 9 or 10 men in the box. They need use a power running formation with two tight ends and a fullback in the backfield.
I think......
Fitzmagic Is struggling a bit….. How is Fitzy at play action? The trouble with play-action is the QB has to turn his back and then locate everyone. Some QBs thrive with this, some, like Vick, can’t see fast enough. I would think Fitz would be good at this and with our RB channeling OJ, you think it would be a bread and butter play for us…… Another interesting thing to watch…… I don’t even know how much we use it now……interesting.
Go Bills!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
I mentioned my recollection that Fitz had problems turning his back to the D last year. I could be wrong, but yesterday I kept thinking “call a play action pass” and then quickly thought “no, Fitz has problems acquiring a good picture of the D when he turns his back”. I believe he had issues last year.
by WhatGoesAround on Oct 10, 2011 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Its a matter of knowing the offense.
Another year in this offense, he would know where his receivers are.
Yes....
It is harder than it looks…..I think, why Gailey is so successful is because he really knows how to find what a player can do and then gives the player the correct coaching to go out and do it.
I have a lot of faith in Gailey and I just love this team, can’t wait to watch the Eagles game closer and to see our whole team evolve as the year goes on.
For the offense the maturation of Donald Jones, the maturation and implementation of CJ and getting brad smith going with some big plays for 6 just to name a few. I mentioned some of the Ds above.
Go Bills!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
They run play action in Pop Warner.
So I think Fitz can handle it!
But in the NFL, defenses are more complicated. I used to wonder why Peyton Manning hardly ever does PA anymore, and he had one of the best play fakes in the world. Now I think he simply wants that time to read the defense.
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!
by thefourwinds on Oct 10, 2011 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Here the way i see it!
Your running successfully early, the opponent starts selling out to stop the run. Play action are big plays in the making. I would think Fitz would be great at it.
I'm not saying.....
We won’t or don’t use play action or that it is a bad idea….. I’m saying maybe play action is not a strong suit for Fitz and Gailey loves to play to a players strong suit .
PodunkO - The great post ender!
eh
perhaps its fits, perhaps its the o-line, perhaps its gailey… we’ve been a pass first offense these first few weeks so play action won’t be terribly effective until the run game is more consistently featured
if you note late in the game
They had 9-10 guys in the box, in the 4th qtr. They were already selling out to stop Jackson. Perfect time for play action. Bottom line is this, any decent defense can stop one thing. The offense has to keep them off balance and you don’t do that by doing the same thing over and over. I’m sure Chan understands this, be interesting to see what wrinkles he comes up with for the Giants.
oh i agree
I’m saying not that we can’t do it, just that it hasn’t been in the game-plan…
i hope Chan will build off of this, too! if he is really as clever as i hope he is, he’s charting a few games ahead and planning on what he wants to show the ’skins and jets (like a pitcher who strikes a guy on on fastballs and then gets him with off speed in his next at-bat).
Great write-up
I disagree with the Eagles being an elite team. I would say we’ve beaten one elite team, one bad team, and two good teams. The Eagles have elite talent, but they aren’t an elite team. They lack the discipline and ability to execute of a New England or a Green Bay. Good teams find ways to win, bad teams find ways to lose. The Eagles have a talented roster (though they’ve suffered some injuries) and are 1-4. I think that ,all things considered, that makes them roughly a good team.
by Hopefulcynic on Oct 10, 2011 4:04 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Good team......
Yes, Vick and the eagles fast and dangerous wild play also leads to turnovers and injuries…..
PodunkO - The great post ender!
One disagreement - PLAYCALLING
Yes, I noticed and loved the run-oriented playbook this week. However, I think a major flaw that has really bitten us in the can is Gailey’s love for the spread offense.
Sure, it has worked beautifully in certain situations this year but we have seen, with a few of our speed guys getting injured and with more film, defenses are flying up against our bubble screens, RB screens, short hitches, etc. The result has been a stagnant second half offense and the loss of large half-time leads.
Consensus weakness of the Eagles’ defense is their linebacking. Consensus strength is at corner. WHY on earth are you lining up four wide? You can still pass out of single back, i-form, split backs… hell, you can pass out of the fullhouse/wishbone set. But Chan should have been exploiting those poor linebackers matched up with Jackson and Spiller – NOT Asante Samuel on Naaman Roosevelt.
Very valid.
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Oct 10, 2011 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions
You go 4 wide to open the run game. Gailey liked his odds of our OL verses their front 7. If you go double TE or even the eye formation, the Eagles would be able to man up on the outside and bring safeties down into the box.
The strategy worked. The run game was open because we kept them out of the box.
Always enjoy these writeups
and I agree with you on Chans gameplan
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
how about this thought: there is something called the mental game
it is a talent that, it would appear, the bills have in spades…
now, can we stop this talent talk nonsense…
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Buffalo Rumblings
Related FanShots 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
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
