Discussion: What Should The Bills' Next Change On 'D' Be?
by Brian Galliford on Oct 20, 2011 1:15 PM EDT
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Earlier this week, the Buffalo Bills made some waves when head coach Chan Gailey revealed that rookie inside linebacker Kelvin Sheppard is ready to assume a more prominent role in the defense - even if he stopped short of naming him a starter outright.
The move makes sense on several levels. First, aside from Nick Barnett, Sheppard is by far the team's most athletic non-pass rushing linebacker - and as the Bills don't have an overtly athletic back seven, it makes sense to get him onto the field. As smart as Andra Davis is, he's lost a step, so this move will help the Bills in the long run as well as, hopefully, right away.
Our question for you, Bills fans, is this: what's the next significant personnel change that should happen for the Bills and their No. 31-ranked defense? (Note that the term "personnel" refers to players only; let's keep George Edwards out of this conversation. He's not going anywhere.)
Some example ideas to get the discussion rolling include, but are not limited to, the following: giving Arthur Moats a more prominent role as a pass rusher; finding more playing time for other young players, such as rookies Da'Norris Searcy or Justin Rogers; or is it just a matter of getting healthy?
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Something has to happen scheme-wise.
We’re just not getting to the passer. Either we have to change up schemes, do more stunting and blitzing, or the team has to go back and drill on fundamentals more. Chan mentioned it in one of his pressers this week that they are in dire need of doing something about getting a pass rush.
On a related note, what’s happening with Kirk Morrison? I never hear his name called on Sundays. Is he getting in the games at all? Is he having any impact?
"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
I agree with the scheming.
We’re going to have to start getting fancy with blitzes. Sending DBs flying from all around, overloading a side, confusing the offense a little. Something. Its just not happening for the guys right now.
"WE PROTECT AND LIVE FOR THE HONOR OF RIDING IN THE WAGON BLASTER" -abayarde
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Oct 20, 2011 1:27 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
But the scheme has nothing to do with personnel moves. Just saying. :)
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 20, 2011 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, this...
On a related note, what’s happening with Kirk Morrison?
Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"
by bflo on Oct 20, 2011 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
In terms of Scheme.
If both Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus are adequately drawing double-teams, when both are healthy and back shouldn’t we be able to shoot one of our ILBs between them on a blitz from time to time?
by NordicBillsfan on Oct 20, 2011 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Recovering from Hamstring injury
He got hurt shortly after arriving and has been on the mend ever since. At this point it’s tough to get on the field, but he should start to see some action in the next few months as folks get dinged up.
"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6
Scheme Breakdown
Can we have someone do a thorough breakdown of our scheme versus some other defenses? I am curious to get a better understanding of what we are lacking. Is it speed, size, experience? Problems reading the offense? Being lined up incorrectly? Are guys losing battles one on one? I think some sort of break down that gives us more info on that will help shed light on the situation. I know I would really enjoy reading it.
For example, our DB’s have a very high amount of tackles. How does this compare to other teams? Why is it happening? Is it by design, or is someone screwing up?
What other GOOD Defensive teams does our scheme resemble? Maybe a player to player comparison to that team.
These are quality questions.
"WE PROTECT AND LIVE FOR THE HONOR OF RIDING IN THE WAGON BLASTER" -abayarde
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Oct 20, 2011 1:32 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
What next to do with Bill's D
Put the young guys in there and let them play. I did not understand why they moved Moats inside earlier in the year, Merriman is done.
I also think they need to change the scheme. There is little if any pass rush, tight ends are still killing them, along with big plays at the wrong time. I am not knocking Edwards but the scheme he is going with is not working. The bye came at the right time to change some things. Let’s hope he does.
Merriman is done.
He’s been getting good push. I think if we have another pass rusher or two to compliment him he can really make some waves.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
by stetzwebs on Oct 20, 2011 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And from the little bit I’ve seen, it seems like he’s been genuinely getting choke held by O-Lineman.
by NordicBillsfan on Oct 20, 2011 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
They could have used it last week instead of this week.
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 20, 2011 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Not sure I'd want Searcy playing yet
I’m all about getting the rookies as much playing time as possible, but while we’re still looking for a wild card I’d rather keep our (rather good) safeties as is.
That being said, I have been unable to watch the games due to where I live. Is there a good amount of rotation in the front 7? If not, I think that it might be time to start putting in more of a rotation to keep guys relatively fresh late in the game, where we have tended to struggle as of late. I second ChuckBuffInFlo’s question, I haven’t heard anything from Morrison. Why hasn’t he been in the games much, if at all?
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
I definitely think Moats’ role should be expanded. Get that kid on the field at OLB and let him try to hone his skills. He’s obviously got an ability to rush the passer, get him out there.
"WE PROTECT AND LIVE FOR THE HONOR OF RIDING IN THE WAGON BLASTER" -abayarde
by BuffaloBlueBlood on Oct 20, 2011 1:35 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Moats
Ok, I like Arthur Moats, I really do. He seems to have a nose for pass rushing…but there also seems to be a fan obsession with him. Can anyone that has a strong grasp of defense discuss how he has looked in all facets of being an OLB? It just seems that Moats gets a pass no matter what while Merriman and Kelsey are thrown under the buss. These OLB’s didn’t do SQUAT against a poor Giants O Line, and yet we want to anoint the young guys as future stars. We have gotten pretty good play out of the young guys sporadically, but they are very late picks and seem to be good depth guys, but not real starting quality players?? We get excited because we have good success on offense with similar late round picks, and they are playing great, but the offensive scheme helps that. It is a little harder to scheme with less talent on defense, and it seems to show.
Any solid input on this?
by fanick82 on Oct 20, 2011 1:48 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
i was going to say the same thing
i dont know how people can just neglect what happened against the giants… the difference was clear… when merriman and kelsay play we atleast have hope for a pass rush… they create enough pressure for turnovers…
with moats and batten there clearly was no pressure on eli… they are showing why they are 6th rounders… i am also thinking the constant switching between olb and ilb screwed up moats for good… lets just hope the pass rush was bad because it was the first start for moats and batten together…
i dont agree with your last point… you can have success with late round picks in defense just the same as offense… we have gailey who is creative and so he found success with late picks… you just need someone creative on defense.
by statcruncher on Oct 20, 2011 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree
Hta late round picks can be effective on D. My point is that it seems like some of our fans have almost programmed themselves to believe that late round picks will end up better than some earlier picks because of some poor early picks in the past. In other words they expect more out of earlier picks and give a pass to late picks, even though the earlier picks are playing better, bit maybe not living up to the high expectations. Make sense? Kinda?
I want to see more out of the defensive line but it’s hard to even evaluate them with Kyle’s injury. Is Dwan Edwards giving the Bills a great presence? Could Spencer Johnson or Alex Carrington do better?
That brings me to Carrington who should be making more of an impact by now. Troup’s injury is limiting him, too.
It’s just so difficult to assess.
Rely less on Danny Batten for now
Batten may have a useful role on this D in the future, but as far as I can tell, he’s a major liability right now. He’s just so small and has very little power, but he makes up for it with bad plays. ;-)
Spencer Johnson has been pretty good at contain when he’s lined up at OLB, but he’s probably not ever going to be a pass rush threat. Batten may get better in the future, but right now his only advantage over Maybin is he seems more natural in coverage.
It’s gonna be nice to have Kelsay and Merriman back.
I wanna live here
Batten is small?
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Oct 20, 2011 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions
When we’re in a 3-4 i’d love (when healthy) to see Troup as NT and Williams as a DE – it’s more of an interest that I think that would make our defense even more flexible.
I’d like Florence in the slot with McKelvin and McGee on the outside
what has mckelvin showed that you have more faith in him than florence… both are liabilities…
i just hope aaron williams develops fast
by statcruncher on Oct 20, 2011 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
both are liabilities…
exactly – but McKelvin is faster so at least a WR will look covered down the field and a QB may not throw it there.
by J2 on Oct 20, 2011 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
and it’s not an automatic pass interference
Is this your homework, Larry?
by Schooled You on Oct 20, 2011 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree mcelkvin has the ability to cover on the outside. Florence has lost a step imo.
"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus
by matthew62 on Oct 20, 2011 2:46 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
FLORENCE!!! I do not know what got into him in the Giants game but it appeared to me that he was making all of the mistakes of a FUSTRATED ROOKIE (I admit not every single pass interference was legitimate). Once you know that the referee is gunning for you, that is when you have to play close to perfect 1 on 1 DEFENSE.
by khameleon59 on Oct 21, 2011 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Most of those calls against him were bogus.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 21, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
We all know..
Stop talking about exotic blitzes or things like that, because we all know when the time comes and it’s 3rd and 10 with the game on the line, we’re gonna bring a 4 man rush with the outstanding Kelsay guy, and we all can imagine the rest…
by rick p on Oct 20, 2011 2:03 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
When it’s 3rd and 10 and you need a stop – blitzing is one of the worst things to do. If you pressure with 3 or 4, and put the rest into coverage, chances are the other team won’t get the 1st down. Going past 4 rushers, you get open receivers down field.
We didn’t get pressure in the Giants game because Kyle Williams wasn’t in there to draw a double team. Even when doubled, Kyle can usually put pressure on the pocket and collapse it. Against the Giants, Eli had a couple yards of cushion to step into at all times. We got pressure from the outside, but without Williams pushing in the middle, Eli had a place to escape.
So – No Kyle Williams = no hope of pressure.
Another season (maybe), another year getting on the roller coaster. Hope the ride lasts more than 16 games :)
i want to think long term
i dont think bills can fix their pass rush personnel wise, now…
i want to draft manti te’o in the first and brandon jenkins in the 2nd next year… that should fix our pass rush and overall defense…
manti te’o is a high profile junior who is ILB at notre dame… still he has 4 sacks in 6 games… i think we can switch him to LOLB… then we will have a fast athletic coverage OLB who can seal the edges and rush the passer …
brandon jenkins is already an OLB at florida state… he can be our ROLB… pure pass rusher…
You never know
But a lot of Mocks have Jenkins going earlier than in the late 2nd. Also, do we really want to spend a 1st on a guy we have to convert?
Basically any pass rusher will be converted
There aren’t too many college teams playing the 3-4, so most rushers are converted in some way…
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Oct 20, 2011 2:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Most guys will be converts usually from de to olb.
"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus
by matthew62 on Oct 20, 2011 2:44 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Upshaw or Hightower. Guys isnt a sack artist alone, but he’s a complete linebacker that can take on the run and get after the passer.
Frankly, I would take Alabama’s linebacking unit. They don’t have a great coverage guy but Hightower and Upshaw are big, physical and capable of generating pressure. The talent on that unit is insane.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Oct 20, 2011 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
And they play in a 3-4 already. NFL ready.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Oct 20, 2011 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Might see a guy from unc. The bills scouts have been to three unc games this year. From what I remember they have a couple decent defensive prospects.
"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus
by matthew62 on Oct 20, 2011 2:57 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Sign Everette Brown
If he’s still out there. Or Tully Banta-Cain or Jacob Ford or whomever might be available. The team has no pass rush and its simply killing them. They have a chance to make the playoffs this year and the biggest weakness right now is getting after the QB. Maybe those guys wouldn’t help, but standing pat with what we have isn’t going to work either. The team needs to at least try finding some help, even if its unlikely to give a huge jolt. They simply need to attempt fixing the issue with something outside of what’s on the roster. Give it a shot.
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Oct 20, 2011 2:17 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Tully-Banta Cain is a joke right? Guy is not a pass-rusher. Stats lie.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Oct 20, 2011 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
And what we currently have is a joke too
They have to try something. Stats may lie, but he must have done something right for the Pats to put up respectable numbers…
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Oct 20, 2011 2:52 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He got most of those sacks in his career year against the bills. Take out the bills games and he is whatever. I prefer Kelsay.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Oct 20, 2011 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
You have a great argument. We need to attempt to get more pass rushing talent on the roster, that seems rather obvious, right?
A lot of people are suggesting that switching the scheme is going to create more sacks and pressure but that seems optimistic. Players don’t get sacks based simply on systems. It’s not like we can put in a system to get Bryan Scott or Arthur Moats free all the time. It’s up to players to disguise and execute solid blitzes. Linemen have to win battles and blitzers have to fly to the ball with perfect timing.
We simply don’t have enough talent. If Brown is out there I say give him a shot, too.
Players don’t get sacks based simply on systems.
Two words: Adalius Thomas
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
Citi Field loves the mets so much it smothers them. -the caveman
by WhyBillsWhy on Oct 21, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Jacob Ford.
Is someone that I wouldnt mind looking at, or bringing Coleman back from the Giants PS.
We have no pass rush and its getting annoying/agravating. That why were giving up so many yards. Any QB in this league is good, or else they wouldnt be in this league… but when given time like we give… theyll eventually find someone open.
Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"
Ford would be a perfect mid-season signing
I don’t even know if he’s available, but he’s a guy that’s still relatively young, has flashed pass rsuh skills in the past and is quick enough to play some OLB for us. Its worth a shot to me, and he’d potentially benefit the team more than a Colin Brown, for example.
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Oct 20, 2011 6:46 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Haha, I laughed at that last sentence.
But yes completely agree. This is something I would want anways, but especailly with Merriman not 100%, probably ever again, Kelsay dinged up, and out only other real pressure has been from K-Will and hes hurt all year, although will be back.
This signing makes too much sense the more I think about it.
Played with Tenn last right?
Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"
Perhaps press coverage would help
Maybe we can have the CB’s jam the recievers at the line, hopefully giving our “pass rush” more time to get to the QB. I hate seeing 10 yd cushions on every play. Let’s get more physical on D
Is this your homework, Larry?
They don't have 10 yard cushions on every play
Against the Giants, they played the CB’s up a lot. Nicks toasted Florence on that big play when he was supposed to man up on the line.
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Oct 20, 2011 2:28 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
But the majority of plays they play off 10 yards. Then back pedal another 5-10 and the other team takes the ten yard play all the way down field.
"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus
by matthew62 on Oct 20, 2011 2:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
^^^^^THIS^^^^^^
Darn it if we don’t sometimes FINALLY, run a heavy blitz on 3rd and long, and our DBs are lined up 8 or 10 yards off the receiver!!! Disrupt the route!!!! Give that blitz that other split second to get i there!!!!
Come on… ANY QB in this league is gonna see that blitz, see the DBs playing off, and throw his hot read… It ain’t rocket science…
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!!!
Kelvin Shepard
He looked a little lost out their. I know he is the future and will get better with time, but we are not a 0-8 team and maybe they should be bring him along a little slower.
Keep in mind that as the second ILB, he’ll be lucky to play 30% of the team’s snaps – assuming Barnett is healthy, of course.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 20, 2011 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
He may look a little lost...
but at least he can keep up with the plays, which Davis just doesnt seem capable of at this stage of his career.
Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"
is Kirk Morrison playing ?
by SpiderWeb Sleeves on Oct 20, 2011 2:38 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
He is nick barrnetts back up. Not much.more to it
"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus
by matthew62 on Oct 20, 2011 2:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I've said it before...
everyone needs to remember, Jax signed Poz to play the middle instead of even making an attempt to keep Morrison… Right now, I think Poz would back up Barnett, nothing more, which is what Morrison is doing…
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 think....
Sheppard and a healthy Kyle will both make a huge difference. Andre Davis is almost a free pass for offensive coordinators to get an easy first down getting Davis into coverage. Sheppard will not only be way better in coverage, he is a blitzer the O will have to keep an eye on and hopefully. we send an ILB a few times/game. Both Barnett and Sheppard have a nice combination of strength and speed.
The D really misses a healthy Kyle, hopefully he comes back 100%. That would make a big difference too.
I am still holding out hope that Merriman is holding back until he is further away from his surgery date and can get that tendon stronger. (I don’t think the idea is too far fetched.)
Yes, keep moats at OLB and get him more reps/game. Absolutely.
And I still say, the secondary is a strength. They’ll get the right guys out there playing well, more often, soon enough. They have a real tough job with our lame pass-rush, you have to know how huge it is for a secondary that has great pass- fishers versus a poor rush…. HUGE.
PodunkO - The great post ender!
Getting more snaps for Kelvin is one of probably only two or three things we can do personnel wise. The other is keeping Kelsay off the field.
I’d say we need more blitz packages, but after watching the Giants stop seven rushers while giving Eli all day, I don’t think exotic blitzes are the problem. We just don’t have the horses on D to get at the QB.
Moats > Kelsay
Permanently make Moats starting OLB over Kelsay. I have not noticed any kind of drop off on edge protection since Kelsay left, and Moats looks to be a better pass rusher. Moats and Merriman would be a better pass rushing duo than Kelsay and Merriman.
Swap places on the depth chart for the rest of this season and next year cut Kelsay all together and use that freed up cap room to resign Fitz/Stevie/Freddie and/or sign a free agent CB or OLB.
I have not noticed any kind of drop off on edge protection since Kelsay left
Boy, I have. With Kelsay (and Merriman) in there, they were occasionally able to create some pressure. Now… not so much.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Oct 20, 2011 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree that Kelsay was doing alright, and that we we’ve been missing him since his injury. He had the speed-rush-into-club-move combo working pretty well, He gets a lot of his pressure if the quarterback holds the ball an extra second, or so – coverage sacks. It seems he’s been trying to add a few moves to complement his motor.
Given how much people complained about Kelsay’s contract/skill level at the beginning of the year I think he’s done fairly well. Not great by any stretch of the imagination, but adequate. I still say get Moats more reps on the outside, perhaps in obvious passing situations, unless they’re already doing that.
I’m not as down on Kelsay and as high on Moats as some people are, but I do think Moats is better. And he clearly has a better long term upside when you factor in the age difference. If we’re still building for the future, and we clearly are, I say give Moats more playing time and let him develop as a pass rusher. Having Merriman and Meatball out this week hurt the D overall. I’d like to see Moats get more playing time when those guys are both in there. Remember he did cause that Vick interception a couple weeks ago.
I’m factoring in both age and contract size when I advocate the switch.
I do too. Kelsay looked much more stout this year in all phases until he got hurt.
He was making plays.
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Oct 20, 2011 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Thats why we are 31st
If Kelsay is an improvement, then gosh already, we need personnel. We just don’t have 3-4 personnel. Carrington (or Edwards), Williams, Dareus, Kelsay, not a bad 4-3 defensive line.
Moats has more upside
I think Kelsay has gotten the most out of what he has to offer. Moats will only get better.
How long is Aaron Williams out with the collarbone? His strength is suppossed to be against the run. It would be nice to have Williams,McGee, Drayton and McKelvin all available. More exotic blitzes and coverages with those 4. Wilson had monster game against Philly, but I thought his pass coverage otherwise has been fair.
I'm confused
I didn’t think Andre Davis had even played a down yet this season.
As for what they should do? Interval train their legs off. They need burst, and explosion. And in terms of a change? I can’t think of one outside of finding a way to combat misdirection. The question is whether or not they have a player on the roster who can do that.
"Go check on the ribs!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Oct 20, 2011 4:37 PM EDT reply actions
What should the next big change be? We have options?!?!
Upon checking the Bills’ cupboard for defensive dinner we have:
Ramen Noodles with no flavor packet.
A sandwich bag with Snackwell’s cookies from eleven years ago.
A dented can with no lable
It’s also funny that the most intriguing player is Searcy, and we don’t need another safety right now. Maybe he can figure into nickel and dime – but that’s not nearly as important as getting some pressure on the QB. We do need to get healthy on D. It seems we plug injury holes a lot more effectively on O, for whatever reason.
I actually think a Safety upgrade is needed next year.
It’s also funny that the most intriguing player is Searcy, and we don’t need another safety right now.
I like both of the guys we have right now, but they are a bit interchangable. I think a rangy FS is needed, but I don’t think Searcy is that guy. It will be something I hope we can address in the off-season and then move Byrd over to SS since he’s improved his tackling so much.
"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
Is the rangy free safety a dinosaur in today’s NFL? It’s kind of like the disappearing fullbacks of the NFL. I think tackling and man to man coverage are bigger priorities than ever – for both safety positions. It seems, unless your name is Ed Reed, that safeties are only asked to play centerfield on rare occasions. I may be wrong.
You may be right.
I always wondered if the absence of our safeties in the passing game was due to our concern with the running game. Considering how pass happy the league is now, I would think a more traditional centerfielder would be useful against spread sets.
"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
I'll assume your cryptic response is about Byrd at SS in a year or two.
Considering he is a whopping 5 pounds lighter than our current SS I don’t see his size being a real issue. He’s shown an ability to help in the run game at the line of scrimagge.
"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
Then there is no discussion
They are not going to move up statistically playing the younger guys except maybe Kelvin Sheppard. Schemes are dictated by the DC and if we don’t like the schemes……I say this a thousand times more, they do not have the personnel for a 3-4. They have good personnel for 4-3, use it, until you can acquire more players suited to he 3-4.
A hybrid
They don’t have a true nose tackle and Kyle Williams is really a tackle, so they use a hybrid because they really have a D-line more suited for a 4-3 hence the 4 man front look. I’d say it is more of a personnel issue then sub-packages to stop specific offensive schemes.
Not sure about that. They’ve been drafting players with versatility at all positions, including the defensive front 7. I think the plan is for a hybrid scheme. Brian keeps saying that we need to get over the “traditional 3-4” trap, because we aren’t, and probably won’t be, playing it.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
put McKelvin back in starting lineup
over Florence. Also Moats on passing down over Kelsay. that’s it
by Fernando brazil on Oct 20, 2011 5:03 PM EDT reply actions
Has everyone forgotten exactly how awful McKelvin can be? Florence has bad games. McKelvin has bad seasons.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
Citi Field loves the mets so much it smothers them. -the caveman
by WhyBillsWhy on Oct 21, 2011 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
i do not see Mckelvin bad seasons
only inconsistent seasons, like this season. He played maybe his best game against the Eagles, one week before last game when he was benched for Florence. He has a better potential than Florence, and if he not play well, we can still play Florence.
by Fernando brazil on Oct 21, 2011 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Youth movement
I like the fact that Chan is mixing in younger players with the old timers. It’s a great way for them to get game experience without sacrificing productivity of the entire unit. If we hope to get to the playoffs and contend, we have to have depth and experience. Williams injury was definitely a setback, as I thought he was on the verge of displacing Florence as a starter. Now he will have to come back from the injury and attempt to regain his form. Sheppard looked pretty good on a few plays and hits pretty hard too.
"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6
that trade....
would prolly cost a first rounder and a veteran player to pull off…. maybe even a third trade partner as well…..
:-)
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!!!
Next Change On D
Don’t sign old, used up players because they may ressurect career n Buffalo, Solid FA or bust! Forget “fire sale” dudes! Rebuild thru draft, go youthful. Go Bills!
Who did they sign who was old and used up?
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
uhhh, thats easy...
dwan edwards, andre davis, merriman. barnett is the only good older vet FA pick-up.
#52
"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 22, 2011 12:10 AM EDT reply actions
Personnel Changes...
How about a healthy Aaron Williams to start with McGee and having flo and mckelvin to play nickle/dime? Then on the d line, I would start carrington over edwards and spencer johnson over kelsay. we seriously miss kyle right now b/c troup is not good to me. he is top heavy with no base, no push. I would even consider making a switch at nose. move the bigger and stronger dareus to the nose, kyle to the strongside end (replacing edwards) and move carrington to the weakside end.
another suggestion...
why not copy the ravens d line? they have two 6-4 350lb linemen starting:
Haloti Ngata – DT 6’4" 350
Terrence Cody – NT 6’4" 350
Cory Redding – DE 6’4" 292
Our version?
Kellen Heard – DT – 6’6" 345
Marcell Dareus – NT – 6’3" 340
Alex Carrington – DE – 6’5" 305
I know you don’t see kyle in there and that’s b/c of his lack of beef. yeah, he can penetrate but, don’t you think it’s easier for a QB with a little bit of athletic ability to side step any interior pass rush coming from one player as opposed to having the entire pocket pushed into his lap? All of that beef and power will collapse the pocket, making it easier for our OLB’s to rush off the edges. We need to flat out overpower o lines and shove them into the throat of their QB’s! Plus, bringing in Heard and Carrington gives us the ability to bat down passes at the line b/c of their height, as we saw Carrington do vs the eagles.
I understand
how much we all like kyle, but let’s play to his strengths. He’s a penetrator. So, why not plug him at the nose on passing downs and sub him out with dareus on run downs and maybe move dwan edwards to the weakside d end spot to sub for heard on passing downs? we could look something like this:
run downs:
heard – dt
dareus – nt
carrington – de
pass downs:
edwards- dt
williams – nt
carrington – dt
1. Moats backs up Merriman – who has shoulder and Achilles issues right now – at JLB; Moats should be seeing more rotational reps.
2. Dwan Edwards has been basically useless; start giving either Johnson or Carrington more rotational reps at RDE.
3. They REALLY miss Kyle Williams’ penetrating presence in the middle; until he’s healthy again I say move Dareus inside to NT and start Johnson and Carrington at DE around him. Troup is a BUST and Heard can play 2-gap defense but he cannot penetrate or disrupt the backfield.
4. Keep giving Batten rotational reps at SLB; Kelsay is set to return vs Washington.
In terms of 2012 Draft and Defensive Personnel Changes
I have my own Bills 2012 mock draft (below):
1. JLB Vinny Curry
2. SLB Andre Branch
3. WR A. J. Jenkins
4. CB Trumaine Johnson
4. RG Amini Silatolu
5. NT Renard Williams
6. FB Joe Halahuni
7. RT Mitchell Schwartz
Notice the first two picks are top notch college DE pass rushers who also are big, have good hands (to stack and shed) and are stout in the lower body (to stand up strong at point-of-attack). Yes, they both need to convert to play OLB but that’s become a routine conversion as the 3-4 defense has become more popular in the NFL. That, plus drafting another backup NT (because Troup is a BUST because you cannot depend on him to be available) and starting Carrington at RDE over Edwards should provide all the upgrades necessary for the front 7. Relying on Merriman and Kelsay to generate a pass rush has proven foolish, especially with Williams injured. Time for a youth movement and to invest draft picks in top notch talent that matches the schemes you run.
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