Buffalo Bills Have Found Direction At Left Tackle
by Brian Galliford on Oct 19, 2011 1:01 PM EDT
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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It's just one man's opinion, but after watching the 2011 Buffalo Bills for six games, it's looking like the team has finally found some long-lost stability at the ultra-important left tackle position.
In 2007, the Bills had one of the most stable and promising situations at left tackle in the NFL. That year, fourth-year pro (and second-year starter) Jason Peters emerged as one of the best young tackles in the game and made his first Pro Bowl.
In the four years since, the Bills have had the exact opposite of stability at the position. After his '07 success, Peters held out of training camp in 2008 seeking a new contract, missed the first game, and struggled to get into a groove by year's end. Prior to the 2009 NFL Draft, the Bills traded Peters to Philadelphia for three draft picks - including a first-round pick that turned into center Eric Wood - and made Langston Walker their starting left tackle. He didn't play a snap there, as the team released Walker and made Demetrius Bell - who'd never even been active for an NFL game coming out of Northwestern State - their new starting left tackle.
Bell struggled mightily to the surprise of no one, and by mid-season was put on Injured Reserve with a season-ending knee injury. A rotation of players like Jonathan Scott, Jamon Meredith and Kirk Chambers played in his place, and again, the results were disastrous.
Yet the Bills continually ignored the position at the top of the draft. In '09, the team passed on Michael Oher in favor of Aaron Maybin, who is no longer with the team. In 2010, after the team re-structured its front office under new GM Buddy Nix and head coach Chan Gailey, the team again passed on talented tackles (such as fan-favorite Bryan Bulaga and Anthony Davis) in favor of running back C.J. Spiller.
When the 2010 season opened - Gailey's first as head coach - the Bills rotated left tackles early in the season. Bell was the de facto starter, but as he continued to get himself into football shape, the team rotated Meredith into games to spell Bell and keep him fresh. Meredith was so poor that he was gone by year's end, but Bell stuck around and eventually locked down the position - though he was inconsistent enough that fans still clamored for a tackle as the Bills held the No. 3 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Again, the NFL Draft came and went without a high-round tackle this past April, but this time around, there was a change: the team spent a fourth-round pick on Clemson tackle Chris Hairston. It was the highest the team had drafted a tackle since they took Mike Williams at No. 4 overall in 2002 - and Nix made it clear very quickly that the team was grooming Hairston to be the left tackle down the line.
In six games this season, the Bills have gotten generally excellent play out of their left tackles as the offense has finally turned a corner under Gailey's guidance and the stability offered by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Bell was excellent and consistent in the team's first four games, but a shoulder injury forced him out of the lineup for the last two contests. In stepped Hairston, who took his lumps as a rookie - but who also flashed solid raw skills. He looks like a keeper.
The Bills have 10 games remaining on their schedule this season, and they also look like they've got two left tackles that can play on NFL Sundays for a while. Bell is a free agent after the season and will be seeking a new deal - and he's certainly played well enough to explore that possibility - and that will be interesting to monitor. Though the future is not clear at this position, it's certainly several steps ahead of where the team was when Peters decided to hold out for more money.
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Jasper
AND, what about this converted nose tackle. Isn’t he supposedly taking OL reps on the practice squad? Do we currently have a backup for right tackle? Hairston is still 3-4 weeks from playing, right?
CC Infantino
Not sure what Jasper has to do with the LT position, but I’ll bite… he’s playing guard.
Chan Gailey said Hairston will be out 2-4 weeks. At the earliest, he could be ready for the Jets game. Still no timetable on Bell.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 19, 2011 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry
I thought he was working at tackle. Wasn’t that the position he played at college?
CC Infantino
by lostlasvegan on Oct 19, 2011 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Nope, he played guard in college.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 19, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
He played Guard in college but Nix is on the record saying Jasper will play tackle. I can’t remember the specific interview but he joked he put him at Nose so no other team would see his O line skills and pick him up.
I am almost positive they are working him @ tackle
They said they were working him at RT, likely because he’s more natural at guard, he’ll start as a reserve if he ever gets to the 53, and they want him to be able to play both positions.
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@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 19, 2011 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
If Nix truly did that with Jasper (hiding him at NT), then I have a ton of respect for his gamesmanship.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 19, 2011 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Not sure what Jasper has to do with the LT position
to that end – i’m not sure what Bryan Bulaga and Anthony Davis have to do with the LT position….
11 years of losing has taught me just a smidge of humility. - k8
by J2 on Oct 19, 2011 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
They were first-round caliber tackles that would’ve played LT in Buffalo.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 19, 2011 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
i’m skeptical they would have been LT’s here – but we’ll never know
11 years of losing has taught me just a smidge of humility. - k8
by J2 on Oct 19, 2011 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
If it were up to the fans, they would’ve been – and that’s the point. Fans wanted the team to draft them because they wanted the team to replace Peters with a first-round pick.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 19, 2011 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
well of course if it were up to the fans – but i’m talking reality – what would really happen.
Why is that the point? I don’t follow… what do fans have to do with building a winner from an organizational philosophy standpoint?
11 years of losing has taught me just a smidge of humility. - k8
by J2 on Oct 19, 2011 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Obviously they don’t.
I merely pointed out in the article that the lack of stability at LT was something fans griped about for four years, and the OTs the team passed on were a large part of those gripes. That’s why it’s relevant: the article was about re-discovering that stability, and doing it without spending a high draft pick.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 19, 2011 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions
well after I read this line:
Not sure what Jasper has to do with the LT position, but I’ll bite… he’s playing guard.
I thought it was prudent to talk about Davis and Bulaga who really don’t have anything to do with the LT position either because they are right tackles.
Just because fans wanted either Bulaga or Davis as a LT doesn’t mean that they are LT’s because they are RT’s.
However, if you wanted to talk Saffold, Williams etc… then that would make sense
11 years of losing has taught me just a smidge of humility. - k8
by J2 on Oct 19, 2011 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
You don’t know that Bulaga or Davis would have been RTs should Buffalo have drafted either player. Because of that, referencing them is very valid.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 19, 2011 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Thank you. I don’t think it’s that difficult to assume that if the Bills had drafted any of those players, then they would’ve faced tremendous pressure to, you know, play those players on the blind side.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 19, 2011 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m just glad we didnt draft them. Drafting RTs with your top pick and playing them at LT bums me out.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Oct 19, 2011 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
exactly – it’s a total downer, man. :)
11 years of losing has taught me just a smidge of humility. - k8
by J2 on Oct 19, 2011 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Drafting RTs with your top pick and playing them at LT bums me out.
Chris Hairston was supposed to be a RT and hes playing LT. Obviously hes a 4th rounder but scouts believed Bulaga and Davis to be higher quality players. Stands to reason some envisioned them as being capable of playing LT or they wouldnt have been drafted so high.
I really think this point is moot. They are offensive tackles. Some scouts may have seen them as RTs others as LTs.
The greater point here is the Bills have options at LT whether its Bell, Hairston or a guy to be drafted in the future if Bell leaves in FA and Hairston is not the long term answer.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
Hairston played LT at Clemson.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Oct 19, 2011 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Bulaga played LT at Iowa and Anthony Davis played LT at Rutger. Which is exactly my point, an offensive tackle is an offensive tackle and some view them as LTs in the NFL and others as RTs. Many considered Hairston an NFL RT
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
Both those teams were very predominant run offenses though. LT/RT are much the same in that type O.
Some RT can never play LT.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Oct 19, 2011 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree
but it works both ways. Some college LTs can never play LT either. So really, its up to the scouts to determine that. A lot of guys were saying Bulaga and Davis were LTs and clearly team scouts thought so or they wouldnt have gone in the first round. Many scouts seemed to say that Hairston was a RT in the NFL. Good for Buddy and his scouting team but I think the overall point of “this guy is a RT and this guy is a LT” is ultimately difficult to make in the transition from college to the pros and you really have to just trust your scouting department to make the right call.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
LT in college either plays LT in pros or is converted to RT. RT in college, as far as I can remember, do not get converted to LT. That is the main point of my jumping i this discussion.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Oct 20, 2011 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think it’s that difficult to assume that if the Bills had drafted any of those players, then they would’ve faced tremendous pressure to, you know, play those players on the blind side.
if the Bills are making decisions because of fan pressure then I don’t want them making any decisions at all. That’s not how you run an NFL franchise.
Maybe that’s why I like Nix and Gailey – they don’t make popular moves very often yet they seem to be getting good results.
That’s what I don’t understand – fan pressure shouldn’t be a reason why you play a player if you have conviction in your due diligence. If it does then it’s a recipe for disaster and pretty much idiotic .
I still don’t think either would have been a LT here – that’s my opinion and i’m sticking with it
11 years of losing has taught me just a smidge of humility. - k8
by J2 on Oct 19, 2011 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
The pressure could have come from Ralph C. Wilson Jr.
You’re fogetting that Wilson was on record saying that the offense was boring, prior to their drafting Spiller.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 19, 2011 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
coulda, woulda shoulda, their RT’s. :)
11 years of losing has taught me just a smidge of humility. - k8
by J2 on Oct 19, 2011 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
My goodness, you can be difficult.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 19, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
correction – I am difficult.
I just don’t understand why I can’t disagree with your point because honestly I don’t get your point. I understand the concept but I don’t understand how that applies practically to the situation.
11 years of losing has taught me just a smidge of humility. - k8
by J2 on Oct 19, 2011 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, it’s OK to be difficult. And you obviously can disagree. :)
It doesn’t apply practically to the situation. Why does it have to apply practically to the situation?
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 19, 2011 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
o.k. – if you’re going that route then we’re good – just don’t complain to me about Spiller or Jackson being WR’s then. ;)
11 years of losing has taught me just a smidge of humility. - k8
by J2 on Oct 19, 2011 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
This all started because you said bringing up Jasper wasn’t relevant. But the fact that they were playing Jasper at RT made him extremely relevant.
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 19, 2011 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Not in a left tackle debate.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 20, 2011 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Sigh.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 20, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey, that’s good signature material too – thanks!
11 years of losing has taught me just a smidge of humility. - k8
by J2 on Oct 19, 2011 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions
While I agree with the philosophy, the reality is different IMO
if the Bills are making decisions because of fan pressure then I don’t want them making any decisions at all. That’s not how you run an NFL franchise
Bottom line is that the fans are the customers. At some point their voice will have an influence if the team wants to keep it’s customers happy.
I think fan pressure, like the billboards in Buffalo and Denver, can influence decisions. They won’t be the only factor, but at some point it will become A factor.
Now, I doubt coaches and FO’s will admit to this, but everyone would like to keep their job. When was the last “fan favorite” coach or GM fired?
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
Results are all fans care about
Sure you have to put a good product on the field but how you get there should not be influenced and probably isn’t . If you are an NFL GM or coach you probably have a plan and the conviction to stick with it otherwise you probably would not be in the NFL. Ownership pressure is a completely different thing.
by IiiIIIiiIiI on Oct 19, 2011 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha this just shows how dumb trading Peters was
I had little respect for the trade but would have had less had they taken a tackle in the top ten. Cause guess what tackle in the top ten get around what peters wanted and he was a proven NFL commodity while rookies are an unknown AKA Mike Williams. Trading away a franchise left tackle in the prime of his career is among the worst trades i have ever heard of.
by SPCtacular1 on Oct 19, 2011 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It sounds to me like Hairston will be the 2012 LT. I’d love to see him stick for another year as the third tackle, but I’m sure Bell won’t take just a one year deal to bridge that gap.
Brian or anyone else- What other UFA’s will the Bills have at the end of the year? (besides Fitz and Stevie of course).
Agree
While I think Bell has developed into a good LT, having Hairston around means resigning Bell isn’t necessarily a requirement.
What I’m truly dreading is that Buffalo thinks the same regarding Jackson and Spiller.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Definately extend Bell
If hairstin beats him out, he will provide depth or get you a pick in a trade.
by garcia76 on Oct 19, 2011 1:51 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I’d like to see this.
As we’ve recently seen, OT depth is a good thing. If we lose Bell, we’ll have to draft another for depth, when we can use those picks for another position. We may need more depth at OT as it is.
As long as our first backup isn't Levitre.
As a LG, he’s an amazing LG.
As an LT… he’s an amazing LG.
Would like to see Jasper and even Wang prosper as interior possibilities in the future, though one of them is a backup at most.
"Why so serious?... so raise your glass if you are wrong/in all the right ways..." -- P!nk
by Orlando John on Oct 19, 2011 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Bell
Even though Bell is progressing, I have a hard time seeing a team throwing big $$$‘s at him. For him to get big bucks he has to show consistency at staying healthy. He reminds me of ex Bill Jonas Jennings who was decent, had a durabilty problem signed for big $$’s with the Niners and had the same problems there.
"You tell 'em I'M coming... and HELL'S coming with me, you hear?... "
Wyatt Earp
Bell will definitely get a payday. Young, lots of starts, and some degree of sucess means at least one GM will overpay for him. I agree with you in a sense though. Most GM’s will see him the way you do, just not all of them. It just takes one desperate team
So far he has 4 games of success that I can count.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 19, 2011 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Come on, Bell had good games last year. You can’t whitewash it like that. He just was inconsistent.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Oct 19, 2011 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
In particular, he was outstanding against Pittsburgh.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 19, 2011 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I know. I’m being unfair. I try and block out last year, honestly. But I do think the sample size is too small to expect Bell gets a king’s ransom (my words and thoughts) on the open market.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 19, 2011 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
it depends on Bells health
if he gets hurt and sidelined one more time this year I think his value drops rather steeply. If he stays healthy and keeps Hairston off the field, and by that I mean keeps playing as he did in the early stages, he should get some good money
You are of course correct, as of right now, the sample size is too small. But barring another setback, Bell should have time to try and increase his value. Id say one more injury though, and hes not going to see that massive payday.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
There will be a team out there that will pay him based on potential and they too will be disapointed that he can’t stay healthy. He is a teaser player-one that always looks like they are on the verge of becoming a star but always falling just short because of one thing or another…
If he can put 2 back to back relatively injury free seasons together he could get the big pay day…
"You tell 'em I'M coming... and HELL'S coming with me, you hear?... "
Wyatt Earp
I think that the team will and should throw some money his way, if he continues to be a capable LT. Sure, upgrade if we can later on, but if he can anchor the position for the next several years, I have no problem giving him a pay day.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
I really hope they keep Bell, even if they have to pay him the going rate for a starting LT.
This would allow Hairston to compete with Pears next year for the RT job. The idea of Bell and Hairston at T next year gives us hope for continued growth, and depth since we know Hairston can play LT in a pinch also.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
this
In case your wondering....it says F*** boston
by BLO 2 VT 2 TPA on Oct 19, 2011 3:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Hence the next year part of that. Competition is always a good thing.
I’ve had no problem with Pears this year, but if Hairston beats him out in camp next year then there is no question that’s a good thing.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
Hairston is the issue for compensation
if they think Hairston can become a better player than Bell they almost can’t pay starter money for a guy who will be a backup. If they dont think Hairston can, they should pay Bell as a starter.
I think we’ll end up seeing a Posluszny type scenario where someone offers Bell more than Nix thinks hes worth and Hairston ends up starting in 2012. All of this is pure speculation as there is a lot of season left.
Yet another reason why waiting to extend until further into the season, for anybody, is prudent. If these guys play nasty and we have to pay more than we would have if we extended sooner I have no problem with giving the guys good money if theyve earned it. Id rather that than extend them to early and end up paying too much. Im not Ralph of course, and its his money, but I have no problem paying if Im getting something in return
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
Bell's injury history will be the major consideration for teams IMO
Yet another reason why waiting to extend until further into the season, for anybody, is prudent.
This is true for Bell, and for different reasons, for Fitz and Stevie.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
We traded Peters prior to 2009 draft
As Wood was the pick in 1st rd obtained from PHL
And this is D Bells 3rd season as our starting LT on opening day
Yes. 2010 was a typo. Everything else you mention was accurately portrayed in the article.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 19, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
While they may have found something...
I still loathe the decisions to pass on players at a very important position for guys with flashy measurables.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 19, 2011 2:51 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
A big part of the OL is Gailey, Fitz and Jackson
Short routes, quick reads. Like Peyton Manning, Fitz makes his OL look good. Freddy breaks tackles, doesn’t need a big hole to gain yards. I think we’d have a different opinion of the OL if Thigpen was QB and Spiller was feature back.
by Rick A on Oct 19, 2011 2:56 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Thigpen is yuck.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 19, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Thigpen
Would be the starter in Miami this week if he was still there.
CC Infantino
by lostlasvegan on Oct 19, 2011 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Which is why the starter in Miami will so likely be the one who’s wearing #12 for Stanford.
For an example of my mind, though, I think our next QB of the future is wearing #11 for Notre Dame. (I get enthusiastic about that school, what can I say? Plus my Dad really did claim he should’ve been named Joe. I didn’t ask Theisman or Montana. He gets kinda enthusiastic too.)
"Why so serious?... so raise your glass if you are wrong/in all the right ways..." -- P!nk
by Orlando John on Oct 19, 2011 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions
While I think that Freddie is fantastic at breaking tackles and making something out of nothing, several of his big runs have been through BIG holes.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
Most running backs can attribute their big runs to big holes. Emmitt Smith is a HOFer because of the line he ran through.
There aren’t may Jim Browns, Larry Csonkas, Earl Campbells, Jim Riggins, Christian Okoyes, Craig Ironhead Heywards, or Christian Okoyes. (I love that list, for the record.)
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 19, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree, but my point was that the OL deserves a lot of credit for making it happen.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
the man who deserves by far the most credit for the OLs play this season is joe d’alessandris. these are the same guys as last season, and this kind of jump in quality of play cant just be a little more experience, fantastic coaching is a huge part of this
you are absolutely correct
but I also give a lot of credit to Fitzpatrick and Gailey. They have learned to work within a quick, short passing gamae out of the spread that gets the ball out quickly. Im a believer that a huge part of performing in the NFL is confidence, quite frankly I think anyone getting to this level can play, its just a matter of your state of mind. This type of offense is creating confidence in the offensive line. As that grows, so will the amount of time that Fitzpatrick and Gailey will have to create from the pocket, theyll get better. Great coaching. And great QBing. The offensive line should improve as a result to eventually improve the coaching and QBing right back.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
by poz on Oct 19, 2011 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nice point...beat me to it! (see below)
Great minds, poz!
"WHEN THE WAGON BLASTER TAKES OFF dont try to get in. THE SPACESES ARE LIMITED FOR WINNING ATTITUDE GODZILLA IS COMING GET READY" - abayarde
by StroudFanClub on Oct 19, 2011 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Why twice for Okoye? Just ’cause he was doubly-awesome?
"Teams that don't deserve to win.... Usually don’t. Today is no exception." -- Mr Huge Pecs
"Nick Barnett is everywhere. He is behind you right now." -- Munchausen
by ChuckBuffInFlo on Oct 19, 2011 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Because I didn’t hire an editor =) Though he was awesome enough for it.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 19, 2011 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Well yeah, any back looks good running through a BIG hole. I think Spiller would have been a 1000 yard rusher last year if he played for the Jets. I don’t think the Bills have the final answers on the OL, a truly powerful line would make the offense even better and give insurance in case Fitz or Freddie goes down.
I don’t think any team in the league has a final answer on the OL. However, as far as the OLs go, the Bills have a good one this year, opening up holes, and giving Fitz the time he needs, for the most part.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
Hairston not likely to replace Bell anytime soon
Hairston is not only considerably less experienced than Bell, but he is also less talented. Bell has truly exceptional quickness and agility, which are the key attributes at LT. He has also been getting stronger. Hairston was actually projected as a RT coming out of college, since he is not unusually quick, but he did fine playing LT as a rookie swing OT. There’s a big difference between that and a real starting LT, though.
It’s also unreasonable to say that Bell is prone to injury. He started and played all 16 games last year, and while he suffered a minor shoulder injury this year, that’s not unusual for an OT in the NFL. If he keeps getting injured that will be a different story.
All of this could change if Bell makes unreasonable demands in his contract negotiations. Price is important. But assuming that doesn’t happen Bell will very likely be resigned, since Nix and Gailey both like him a lot, and he will be our starting LT for some time to come, with Hairston as the back-up. As Brian points out, that’s not a bad thing.
by Macktruck on Oct 19, 2011 3:17 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
that’s not a bad thing.
no, thats an excellent thing.
what about hairston taking over the RT spot for pears? i know hes being groomed as a LT, but after another year of NFL strength training he could also turn into a very good player on the right side.
pears would move to backup the RT spot and hairston would kick over to the left if bell got hurt. its just a guess, but if hairstons a good enough player i dont see why theyd keep him on the sideline
If Hairston is good enough he will play. Let's give him some time to develop his body,
strength, and speed. Eric Pears is doing fine at Right Tackle, he too may need some time with strength conditioning, he has experience, but he has missed some time in his career not only must he regain that strength, but he needs to show he can hold up over a sixteen game season. That is why everyone of these tackles even Sam Young is very important. I think the most glaring thing that Chix and Nix did was bring in Sam Young at the start of the season. They are looking long term an do not want any problems at the tackle position for the next five years. They got some studs here to work with, drafting lineman should not be a concern in 2012.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
They drafted Hairston for a reason and Nix is on record saying about hairston as their l-t LT.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 19, 2011 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
regardless of Nix's record, Sam Young was brought in so Chris could concentrate solely on LT.
Still he is this year and at least next year away from being ready for full time duty if that ever materializes. This is Bell’s job safe and sound, unless he pulls a Jason Peters which if that is the case, SEE YA.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
I don't disagree
But I don’t think you can reasonably say this:
Hairston is not only considerably less experienced than Bell, but he is also less talented
Hairston is bigger, has longer arms, and has left tackle feet. Bell is a better athlete with better feet, but that doesn’t detract from Hairston, who is quick enough to play LT. Bell is better run blocking on the second level; Hairston will be a better drive blocker. Bell can mirror rushers better; Hairston has more power to anchor.
Each has excellent merits on his own.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
i remember after the 2010 draft
buddy answered a question about not drafting a LT by saying “we think we got a good LT, he just needs time on the job”. then all of last season and this off season most of the fan base griped about how bad D.bell was and how buddy was a moron for not investing more heavily in that spot.
guess what? not only was this guy right about bell just needing experience, but it looks like he found a promising young tackle with a late 4th rounder. between things like this and how clearly improved the team is this season, could it be any more obvious now that this guy knows how to put together a winning football team?
by boomsauce on Oct 19, 2011 3:54 PM EDT reply actions 4 recs
rec'd
then all of last season and this off season most of the fan base griped about how bad D.bell was and how buddy was a moron for not investing more heavily in that spot.
I hope you remember those who are on record for this, especially the ones that beat their chest when they were saying it. Goes to credibility in talent assesment by some fans.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
Yes, it could.
©ould it be any more obvious now that this guy knows how to put together a winning football team?
I do think he neglected the wideouts and made a crappy trade with Lee, still. I still rec’d though because did he really think we’d be contending this year? He was probably planning on picking up two WRs in the draft next year.
I only say this because of DJ, Easley and Roscoe being injured, anyway. We have a #1 and a #3 receiver right now, even a solid #4, but Martin… stinks. And do we want CJ to convert? And force us to buy the third new jersey in as many years, even? (I’m presuming #82.)
"Why so serious?... so raise your glass if you are wrong/in all the right ways..." -- P!nk
by Orlando John on Oct 19, 2011 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm glad it's just one mans opinion.
Cause it’s not this man’s opinion, at least not how the argument is constructed.
If the Bills have found direction at the left tackle position, it’s because they have seemingly found direction on the line as a whole. And instead of Bell and Hairstons play as the reason for this “long-lost stability” at left tackle, I’m not as quick to give them the accolades for the seemingly solid play.
I mean, if you watched the preseason, where, for instance, the Bills played the Denver game without Chan Gailey really gameplaning for protections and such and simply allowing the linemen to play to their abilities, the whole world saw Bell get manhandled repeadedly by a rookie linebacker Von Miller. Brought back bad memories of Jared Allen basically using Bell as a tackling dummy in a highlight video that Allen for sure will show the Vikings management when arguing his next contract extention.
I’m supposed to believe that the same Bell that was benched in the preseason all of a sudden became Anthony Munoz? And furthermore, that as soon as Bell went down with injury, that a fourth round rookie tackle stepped in and performed just as well?
It is this man’s opinion that whatever praise is given to the Bills offensive line should be really directed at Chan Gailey. How he has made this group of linemen into the unit we see playing well this season is almost incomprehensible to me. It simply has to be the way Chan Gailey is running his offense….ie, no 7 step drops for Fitz, no long-developing routes for receivers, etc….basically, Chan has tailored this offense to ensure the offensive line is not put into positions to negatively impact play with really poor pass protection.
Throw in some praise for the job Fitz is doing either getting the ball out quickly or running with it, and then give whatever percentage of praise that is leftover to the offensive line.
Do guys like Bell and Hairston deserve some credit for playing decently so far this year? Of course. They still have to go out there and at least get in the way.
Can you confidently say that, six games into the season, that Demetrious Bell and Chris Hairston give the Bills “two left tackles that can play on NFL Sundays for a while”? I guess you could (because you just did)….but man, not sure I can agree with that….especially if the Bills ever have aspirations of someday having good enough pass protection to be able to throw the ball more than 20 yards down the field.
"WHEN THE WAGON BLASTER TAKES OFF dont try to get in. THE SPACESES ARE LIMITED FOR WINNING ATTITUDE GODZILLA IS COMING GET READY" - abayarde
I don’t get the argument that Bell and Hairston have somehow been “masked” by good game-planning. Who the heck cares?! As long as they’re doing their jobs well, not making mistakes and keeping Fitzpatrick clean/opening up gaping running lanes, what significance does how their shortcomings are hidden carry? There’s not a single player in the NFL that doesn’t have shortcomings.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 19, 2011 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, if by trying to hide shortcomings
it takes away playcalling options from Chan Gailey (7 step drops, long developing wr routes) and in effect places limits in that regard, you don’t think that is at all significant?
You don’t think there is a distinction to be made between a team that can claim their left tackle position is solid because they have a stud LT, and a team that can claim their left tackle position is solid because the Head Coach strategically gameplans to make sure it is so, and in the process places some sort of limits on what the offense is capable of?
"WHEN THE WAGON BLASTER TAKES OFF dont try to get in. THE SPACESES ARE LIMITED FOR WINNING ATTITUDE GODZILLA IS COMING GET READY" - abayarde
by StroudFanClub on Oct 19, 2011 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
the playcalling is not only a function of the line. its also the players we have at WR, TE, and QB (receiver we dont have a gamebreaking deep threat, te is too slow to really get down the seem, and qb is very inconsistent on deep balls).
again i see ur point, but i think ur missing the bigger picture a bit
it takes away playcalling options from Chan Gailey (7 step drops, long developing wr routes) and in effect places limits in that regard, you don’t think that is at all significant?
No, I don’t think it’s significant. All an offense needs to be able to do is attack a defense at all levels of the field. Buffalo’s offense has proven capable of doing that – and if they need to improve anywhere, it’d be in the speed department at receiver. You don’t need to be able to run every kind of play ever conceived to be effective.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 19, 2011 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
We can disagree on that point, then.
I love the results Chan Gailey is getting from this offense. Love it. Putting up the numbers and points they are with guys like Fitz at QB, a group of “no name” wide receivers, an undrafted RB, the same OL (basically) as last year, and no legit receiving TE to speak of is incredible.
Just trying to point out that just because Gailey can “scheme problems away” doesn’t mean we shouldn’t just try to upgrade those positions if possible. I would imagine the less shortcomings on our own team that Chan has to scheme away, the more he could concentrate on taking advantage of the opponents shortcomings.
"WHEN THE WAGON BLASTER TAKES OFF dont try to get in. THE SPACESES ARE LIMITED FOR WINNING ATTITUDE GODZILLA IS COMING GET READY" - abayarde
by StroudFanClub on Oct 19, 2011 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with your point
there is more to our inability to throw the deep ball than speedy receivers. You’ll notice we had Lee Evans not doing all that much in his later years in Buffalo. Correlated directly with a decline in our QB and offensive line talent.
Our inability to go deep is a combination of factors including our pass protection issues, our QBs arm and our receivers. Its all coming together to make us a short game team. Good for the Bills offense for playing to its talents but I agree with you, playing around talent alters the gameplan.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
“Even if the LT benefits from the Bills’ quick-pass style, it should be noted just how much he has improved since his disastrous 2009.”
http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/09/30/signature-stats-snapshot-pass-blocking-efficiency/
if bell was getting manhandled but fitz was getting it out on time despite him, PFF would not give him this level of praise (calling him the most ‘efficient’ pass blocker in the NFL thru 4 weeks). for the record pears and levitre are also rated super high in this stat
i see your point, but then i dont see ur point. bells playing in the exact same system as last season, with the same quarterback, same receivers, same running back.
gailey game planned to help his OL in 2010 too, but its working better this year because they are playing so freaking better than last season.
it's bigger than that, and quite ingenious by Gailey in hind site.
The Denver game was not only a basic format, “no help in protections”. It was more than that. Those five guys were out there lined up without the slightest bit of telegraphing who there assignment was. Miller could be at the 7 or 9 gap and Bell and Pears would be lined up accross the 5 gap. That game was a pure test of agility and athleticism at that point of time which I believe was one month old. We will get the Broncos again and I hope you are not expecting a similiar offense because these guys were forced to struggle and work outside the norm.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
Bell is doing his job very well, that's about all you can ask of a player. Fitting players to schemes is what NFL teams are supposed to do.
If all football was about was physical talent vs physical talent then teams would play like it was the pro-bowl all the time with man coverage and no blitzes.
Would Brian Westbrook have been such a great player in Pittsburghs system during his time? No, you find a players talents and try to play to them. You take Nnamdi out of his man to man role in Oakland and have him play a traditional role in Philly and all of a sudden he looks below average. Is that his fault or the coaches for not letting him do what made him on of the best corners in the league?
it takes away playcalling options from Chan Gailey (7 step drops, long developing wr routes) and in effect places limits in that regard, you don’t think that is at all significant?
Considering they are the #2 scoring offense in the NFL I don’t see how this argument holds any real water.
"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop
by lonestar_ak on Oct 19, 2011 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Need to re-sign Bell
As we should all have learned through years of painful lessons, an NFL team cannot have too much depth on the O line. The Bills are in a position to potentially solidify both Tackle spots for the next five years or longer if they re-sign Bell. I would feel very comfortable having Bell at LT and the better of Hairston/Pears at RT as we move into the coming years. I am predisposed to believe Hairston will be the starting RT within 2 years with Pears giving the team a legitimate backup. Having 2 tackles that can line up on the left side (Bell and Hairston) and 2 that can line up on the left side (Hairston and Pears) gives this team a great core of tackles to grow with the young interior lineman.
If the Bills were able to re-sign Wood/Urbik/Levitre, you could well see the same starting 5 o lineman play together for many years, given their age. I would encourage the Bills to:
1) Re-sign Bell for LT starter $. That is what he is, a stareting LT.
2) Spend some cap money next year extending Wood and Levitre, so that all 3 interior lineman don’t come up for renewal at the same time.
3) Enjoy O line continuity for the majority of the remainder of this decade.
Plus if you sign him you can trade him
I don’t think he would ask for top 5 money. Not only would it be good to sign him just in terms of depth and competition, it’s also like money in the bank; a first or second round pick via trade. Turning undrafted free agents into 1st round picks is a great way to build a team.
Another thought
With the new Rookie wage scale I tend to think medium talent OT free agents wont get paid what they used to. In the past first round tackles got huge bucks. Now, they won’t, which I believe will give teams that are in similar situations as the Bills more leverage. We shall see
I could see Bell if he continues to play well
getting a Tyson Clabo type contract
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
and deserving it, too!
"Teams that don't deserve to win.... Usually don’t. Today is no exception." -- Mr Huge Pecs
"Nick Barnett is everywhere. He is behind you right now." -- Munchausen
by ChuckBuffInFlo on Oct 19, 2011 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions
75 looked like
he belonged @ LT.
Very encouraging & more kudos to buddy.
"Alright Men, lets go out there, bust um in the chops & get somebody bloody. Keep working hard till you get it right. Take the W in battle & make the Bills Nation Proud." coach Karma420
by Blood, sweat & Win on Oct 20, 2011 10:54 AM EDT reply actions
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