Three Immediate Changes The Buffalo Bills Need To Make
by Brian Galliford on Nov 14, 2011 11:30 AM EST
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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The Buffalo Bills are what they are, and right now, they're a middling 5-4 football team that hasn't shown up to play a game yet in the month of November. Yet somehow, they remain a game out of the division lead despite their recent ineptitude. That's what the team has looked like on the whole this year, and that's what their record says they are.
There's not a whole lot Buffalo can do to get better this season aside from the obvious: better game plans from the coaches, and better execution from players. As far as personnel goes on both fronts, not a lot is going to change. Bills fans need to understand that George Edwards isn't going anywhere any time soon, and that the team isn't suddenly going to find an elite pass rusher or a competent vertical threat. The Bills are a known commodity right now.
With that said, there are still a few tweaks that the Bills can make right now to try to inject some life into a team that has been blown out 71-18 over the last two weeks.
Change No. 1: Start feeding C.J. Spiller. Chan Gailey has repeatedly gone to bat for Spiller this season, saying it's not his fault that Fred Jackson is awesome, and that Spiller is such a small part of the offense because of Jackson's play. It's time for Gailey to realize that there's room for two running backs in a modern NFL offense. The Bills aren't even using Jackson as much as they should be; what's the harm in making Spiller a bigger part of the offense if that's the case?
Jackson has been the entirety of Buffalo's offensive attack for far too long. The rest of Buffalo's skill players aren't getting the job done; Stevie Johnson is struggling to get open due to all of the attention he's getting; the rest of the receivers are being erased (save David Nelson in the red zone) or erasing themselves; and Scott Chandler - while solid - isn't going to strike fear into opposing defenses.
Spiller has 31 touches this season. That's barely more than three touches per game. No, he has not shown anything on the field of play that mandates that he get more touches. I am advocating that Spiller become more involved almost by default. If the rest of the offense isn't getting the job done - and they clearly are not right now - it's time to see if your former Top 10 pick can. It's that simple.
Change No. 2: Stop pretending Spencer Johnson is an outside linebacker. I get why the Bills have been toying with Johnson (as well as Alex Carrington) at the position this year: they just don't have much at the position, particularly in the way of good run defenders. The Bills call themselves a 3-4 right now, but with the heavies playing the Jack (weak-side outside linebacker) spot, it's effectively a 4-3.
Here's the thing, though: Johnson isn't any good as an edge defender. Teams target his side of the line on misdirection plays because Johnson has no change-of-direction skills. Opponents can get the edge on him because he's a 300-pound man trying to run down running backs. It's laughable when he's asked to drop back into a throwing lane. There comes a point when veteran savvy can't mask a positional weakness or make up for a player being completely out of his element; the Bills were at that point with Johnson many weeks ago.
Play Johnson where he belongs: inside at defensive tackle. Get him off the edge, even if your young, overmatched outside linebackers (minus Chris Kelsay, of course) take their lumps. At least they're learning something.
Change No. 3: Play your young guns. There are at least four young players - Spiller notwithstanding - that need to be on the football field more. That list starts with Chris Hairston, who needs to be playing left tackle as soon as he's physically able. It could not be clearer that Hairston will be the team's starting left tackle next season, and he needs as much good experience as he can get.
Carrington also needs to be on the field more. I'd argue that he needs to be on the field as often as Marcell Dareus is, if he's physically up to it. He and Dareus are the only defensive linemen that consistently flash the ability to make plays, and there's no reason that Carrington should be giving up reps to any other lineman at this point, aside from the need to rest. He can really play.
Aaron Williams (when he's healthy, of course) and Justin Rogers should be playing, as well. Terrence McGee has been Buffalo's best corner of late, but he doesn't have the size that the team likes at the position, and he's been physically outmatched by bigger receivers this year. Drayton Florence and Leodis McKelvin have, to put it very lightly, left much to be desired over the last month (if not longer). Williams and Rogers were hand-picked by the current regime, and McGee and McKelvin seem like they're not long for the roster after this season. Get these two young corners onto the field, then.
What other changes would you consider, Bills fans?
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Change No. 1: Start feeding C.J. Spiller.
stop copying me! :)
and Scott Chandler – while solid – isn’t going to strike fear into opposing defenses.
He should be given more opportunities – TRT, DJ and myself had this convo in his 3 points last week. Chandler catches everything and has done everything he’s been asked to do. He will strike fear if he gets more opportunities. I’ve seen nothing to suggest that he shouldn’t be more involved. Get him the rock more!
On Drayton – why is he playing man? GE should know that Florence is useless after 20 yards. As far as McKelvin – no WR he covers is covered -there is simply a man standing in the way but do not fear, any WR will make the catch.
Our CBs are cover your eyes awful. Williams needs more playing time but i’m not sure what Rogers brings at this
point – other than someone different.
What other changes would you consider, Bills fans?
Keep running the ball – Spiller and Jackson. Feed them the rock
Bench Donald Jones – then cut him
Let Batten or Moats take their lumps at Jack and be done with it.
Play more cover – 2. Our CBS suck – bend but don’t break needs to be our philosophy.
Better aggressive blitz schemes
More power formations and more often – 2 TE
More drag and crossing routes – maybe use DJ there – but use Spiller, Chandler and Roosevelt there more often.
by J2 on Nov 14, 2011 11:41 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Move Donald Jones to CB. He’s having hands problems, his tips keep resulting in interceptions. But on defense — this is a STRENGTH. Plus he broke up that interception against New England. Two birds, one stone.
I think its a little absurd that we can go from this Donald Jones Makes Clutch Big Plays to the kid is worthless in a matter of a game and a half of play for him. But so goes the team so goes our patience I guess.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Nov 14, 2011 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
I think its a little absurd that we can go from this Donald Jones Makes Clutch Big Plays to the kid is worthless in a matter of a game and a half of play for him
but it was clearly stated in the article that Jones didn’t play well at all, despite the big plays at the end… It’s so obvious that he doesn’t have the talent to be a #2 in the NFL at this point. He’s just not very good, and anyone who watches this Bills has pretty much known that since he took the field in week 1
by JustAskTheAxis on Nov 14, 2011 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
It was clearly stated in the prior article that he finds ways to contribute.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Nov 15, 2011 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
Rec'd
Keep running the ball – Spiller and Jackson. Feed them the rock
Could not agree more. Our strength is in the backfield. Look how effective Houston is with their backs. Matt Schaub looks like a freaking pro-bowler cause the running game is just rolling. Fred Jackson might not be Arian Foster, but he’s close. And CJ Spiller is more talented than Ben Tate.
Bench Donald Jones – then cut himAgreed. I think it’s safe to say that experiment is over. There is no use for a receiver who cannot catch.
Play more cover – 2. Our CBS suck – bend but don’t break needs to be our philosophyMaybe some man-under with two deep safeties. Gotta try to stop the short passing game, but man are our CBs bad at covering deep…
Better aggressive blitz schemesI’d rather see us at least put some licks on the opposing QB if he is gonna torch us. Rather put pressure on and leave the back end vulnerable cause the alternative isn’t working.
"Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup" - Terry Pegula
CJ Spiller is more talented than Ben Tate
People keep saying this, but where, at an NFL level has Spiller proven that?
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Nov 14, 2011 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
That’s a good point. It’s just my humble opinion. Not saying he is a more proven runner, or has shown that he can run effectively in the NFL for a consistent period of time. Early in this season (i.e. Oakland) when the offense was clicking it sure seemed to me that Spiller was running much more effectively, being patient and exploding through open holes, and also realizing that every run isn’t going to be a 20 yarder and taking what the defense gives him. I would like to see what he could do with 10+ touches a game. I think there is room in this offense for that. A lot of the big gainers that Freddy has had in the passing game this season he has been in the open field, able to face defenders and make them miss. Why can’t we try and get Spiller those same opportunities?
"Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup" - Terry Pegula
how is spiller gonna get 10+
if fred doesn’t. I don’t understand this either, but I would happily feed Fred the ball 2x as much. FredEX DELIVERS. How we think we can make RBs be WR, rather than accepting our roster promotes running, is beyond me. Take a page or two out of Atlanta’s playbook, and run some play action. but… we need to accept that if we ever want to run play action ever, we have to run enough. AND THEN, teams might not head hunt the QB on every single down, because every single down is a passing down… We might be able to play offense more consistently. I mean, cmon man! even 11-13 year old kid whose initial exposure to the game is via gaming, learns very quickly you can’t run 5wr hail mary down the field, on every play, in every single game of [Insert popular video game title here] they play. I should hope the professional would recognize this incredibly obvious facet of the game. GOOD TEAMS CAN RUN and play good defense, in order to help their offense help them win. Especially when they need to contend with weather. They need to consider long term effectiveness, instead of staying so completely focused on week to week, as he has basically stated is his M.O.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 14, 2011 9:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Stop copying me!!!
J2 took almost every single point I wanted to make. But first of all, to Brian: My favorite article in quite some time, I really thoroughly enjoyed it. It is well articulated, makes excellent points, and best of all, I agree with every single word.
Point 1: I have been understanding of Chan wanting Fred prioritized when compared to Spiller. But as you point out, that doesn’t and shouldn’t mean we erase CJ from the equation. 1 weapon plus 1 weapon equals more weapons. the more the better. and He isn’t a WR, he is a RB who can catch pretty well. Use him as such. Why doesn’t Fitz have an outlet RB in the backfield? Let’s stop excusing Pass Pro. Yes sometimes backs need to chip. Novel idea: let them chip, and then bleed out into the flat. Would not be anything I don’t see on any given sunday.
Point 2: Everything you both said. Chandler would be more feared, the more he is utilized. The more defenses need to cover all weapons, the less well they can blanket one guy. this is the whole philosophy behind the whole offense, and yet, we don’t ACTUALLY employ it. Fitz needs to further develop his ability to get to the second and third read, and we would already see improvement. He has been able to trust his reads up until the last couple weeks (Ryan bros certainly have plenty to do with this), but obviously he needs additional combinations. I did like the addition of some drags, short/intermediate ins and outs, which will be useful when the snow flies.
Drayton IS a liability in man. perhaps he should play more press (he was off a lot of the game, and then not off FAR enough obviously) I think maybe he is underestimating his own speed. Leodis isn’t as bad as J2 makes him out to be… but Jabari Greer he is not. Williams and Rogers both deserve opportunities which brings us to:
Point 3: AGREED. Optimistic that we will see some level of continuity now that we know have some idea what the line will be moving forward. I am even apprehensive to put D Bell back in, if Hairston continues to play the way he has… why keep tinkering? Wood is done, Rinehart is a starter now (doesn’t bother me in the least) and the right side which has continued to improve (to me at least) get to continue on in stride so to speak. Andy can play wherever, my concern is shotgun snaps that we do a lot of, and correctly calling the line calls, which Chan believes he can do. Otherwise, i don’t actually see Demetrius as a CLEAR improvement over any one single part of the equation, unless he can play center, and rinehart were then demoted again, and i see no reason to do this. Hairston has as much developmental experience as D Bell does at this point, and more size and reach, and clearly it seems that he has at least as good an understanding of role. I am fine with Bell as depth.
Additionally: Don’t cut Jones. that is crazy talk. i can say, if we miss the playoffs then i look at him like this: he is a solid inside WR. he would be a solid 4th WR, before we just cut him. I think if Aiken can play, let him try the #2. What risk is there at that point? we can find out what he is, and know where we need to go via WR next year. Personally, i want a #1 guy opposite Steve. Donald probably isn’t it. Def solve the LB questions, but we will take a pass rusher or two or five somehow next year, draft, invite, free agent.
How do we never run any version of I-formation? i mean, i understand they may stack the box, but both our rbs can get to the edge. It’s not rock science, it’s football. let’s not make things so complicated. sometimes we need to pound the rock. i don’t understand having a top five back running from spread formation all the time. that’s dumb. I know he is an offensive mastermind (the Brain) but……. common sense helps you to simplify things some when you allow it to get overly-complicated.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 14, 2011 8:15 PM EST up reply actions
He’s one of the ones we already have…
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
this is what i was thinking.
we are devoid of either a number one, or a number two. steve isn’t both, and we have yet to determine he is a number one. i believe he is, but he hasn’t exactly evidenced it. at least not yet in this season. since this is his first with #1 responsibilities… i guess time will tell.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 17, 2011 12:09 AM EST up reply actions
Don’t blitz from the same gap on every play. If we had a guy who could rush the passer, I’d say move him around like the Packers do with Matthews and the Cowboys do with Ware. Edwards doesn’t seem to experiment or be creative at all. Possibly have Spiller play number 2 WR and put him in motion and try to hit him deep more often, Donald Jones stinks and I don’t know why everyone says he’s our “speed threat” he can’t catch and doesn’t really get open deep too much
This team was a .500 football team from day 1
That hot start got everyone going crazy when in reality they should have lost those major comeback games.
Realistically this is year 2 of a complete overhaul rebuild. I agree 100% that they should be playing the younger players and commit to the process. We are still in an evaluation process of what talent we have on this team. The young guys are the talent on this team, they need to get playing sooner rather than later.
That being said we are still close to getting a playoff shot, but the way it looks now we would be one and done.
Winning some games changes your expected W-L record. if we have a 50% shot of winning any game because we are an 8-8 and we go out and and we win the first 8, our expected record is going to be 12-4, because we revert to a 50-50 chance of winning in the back-half of the season. So even if we are an 8-8 team, coming out and going 5-3 means we could finish around 9-7, and a bit of luck, 10-6.
Now given we came out and beat teams that we were not expected to beat. Our expected W-L record improved a lot. Mean reversion is real, but over 16 games, a good streak is tough to beat with mean-reversion. It takes lots of observations to drown out a strong start (or a series of losses).
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Nov 14, 2011 12:01 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd
Just because a team doesn’t change doesn’t mean the expectations can’t. A team that is expected to go 4-12, then wins its first four games, shouldn’t be expected to lose every game after that. Fans had every right to get get excited because the team was not only exceeding expectations on field, but also had garnered wins that couldn’t be taken away later on.
by tpsabres on Nov 14, 2011 1:56 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Nov 14, 2011 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not diagreeing with you… just outlining how a .500 team can have a hot start and still make the playoffs…
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Nov 14, 2011 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
Spiller
I have never claimed to be a fan of CJ Spiller. With that said, I agree Spiller needs to get more involved. Swing him out, get him the ball in space on the outside and see what happens. Stop trying to run him down the sideline as a WR.
AND WHERE IS BRAD SMITH?!?!?! Currently the only reason I can see as for why they signed him was to annoy the Jets. Get him back their returning punts (I know Spiller is currently on this duty), or get him involved in more wildcat formations. ANYTHING! This guy is rotting on the sideline making boat loads. I’d say this was like the TO signing, but TO at least did something. DO SOMETHING WITH BRAD SMITH PLEASE!!!
by NDbuffalo on Nov 14, 2011 11:41 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Good call on Brad Smith
Right now that seems like a giant waste, but I gotta believe that they have something bigger in mind for him. Now would be an excellent time to show that.
Actually the Jets game would have been an excellent time to show that.
yes on the "more Brad Smith plz"
been wondering the same thing. why is Spiller out there at WR ahead of him? D. Jones isn’t exactly lighting it up either- more Brad Smith AND Naaman Roosevelt along with Stevie, Nelson, and Chandler. And F-Jax too, of course.
Give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things that can be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish one from the other.
Smith
Brad Smith just really isn’t effective enough to be used too often. He isn’t very fast, can’t catch well, and can’t really do anything great. I like the guy, just not worth $5 mil a year
Run Fred
Why do the Bills get away from what works for them? Jackson runs the ball efffectively time and time again, yet we try and throw the ball deep on 4th and 2 or throw some short slant route that isn’t even at the sticks.
I like Spiller running the sidelines as a WR. I can’t stand him running between the tackles. He’s proven he has no power in his runs with the touches he has gotten. Use him more yes, but please dont hand the ball to him unless Freddy needs a blow on the sidelines.
What befuddles me about Chan is..
How he found such creative ways of using Roscoe Parrish and made him so relevant again. How is it that he can’t figure out how to use CJ, who definitely seems like a much better athlete overall??
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
by keysh67 on Nov 14, 2011 11:53 AM EST reply actions 4 recs
To be fair, part of the reason he was irrelevant in the last regime was because he was getting literally 0 playing time outside of punt returns.
2011 Colorado Avalanche - Not yet mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
The 2011 Buffalo Bills - Not going 0-16 this year
Burgundy Wave - SBnation's home for the Colorado Rapids
Crystal Palace FC - Oh wait, we're winning games this year? That wasn't on the schedule until 2016!
by UZ on Nov 14, 2011 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
A little early to wave the white flag.
I don’t disagree with much of this. But it reads like the season is over. Lets see what we can get going for next year. Maybe it is. But at 5-4 it seems a bit premature.
So we thinkg Bell is let go? God, Hairston we’ve seen for like 1/2 a game. We finally became convinced we had some depth here. Hopefully we can keep Bell at back-up money then… and point to his injury history…. but it seems like we turned him into a serviceble tackle and then are going to let him walk… all the sunk costs. Very little payoff.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
Bell a goner?
That was my question as well. How is it clear that One Bills Drive has decided to cut loose of Bell? Was it because Hairston wasn’t a disaster in his short time on the field so far?
As far as premature reactions, I think the fanbase has seen this before. If we can beat a down Miami team (like we beat a down Skins and Chiefs), then we can get some confidence restored that we are going to compete til the end of the season. But we need to win at Miami.
Chris Brown basically said that as did Joe Buscaglia at WGR.
That was my question as well. How is it clear that One Bills Drive has decided to cut loose of Bell? Was it because Hairston wasn’t a disaster in his short time on the field so far?
by MattRichWarren on Nov 14, 2011 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
I dont recall any time
since Jason Peters left that LT ever got off the draft needs list.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
Fixed
Add Don’t remove LT to from draft needs
"Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup" - Terry Pegula
by willgarr15 on Nov 14, 2011 4:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
haha nicely done
you know whats crazy? At this point in the season, with Levitre shuffling everywhere, Bell not a part of the season, Wood done for the year, and Urbik going in and out, Erik Pears has been our most reliable and consistent starter. While Levitre has been our best, Pears has been the one guy who is always in his spot. Just amazing…
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
Agree
Pears is a bit of an unsung hero on the O-Line this year. You never really seem to notice him (which isn’t a bad thing) because that means he’s not being beat and of course when we break off a big run it means he was doing his job. He’s stayed healthy which is huge and is a very important piece of this O line that should be resigned after this season as well. Bell and Wood have both shown they can be good when on the field but it’s staying on the field that’s the problem.
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
yea Pears is looking like a contender for a contract
if he keeps this up. Hes also enormous out there
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
Both literally and figuratively!
2011 Colorado Avalanche - Not yet mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
The 2011 Buffalo Bills - Not going 0-16 this year
Burgundy Wave - SBnation's home for the Colorado Rapids
Crystal Palace FC - Oh wait, we're winning games this year? That wasn't on the schedule until 2016!
by UZ on Nov 14, 2011 6:46 PM EST up reply actions
It was off the list earlier this season when Bell and Hairston were both playing well.
I think it’d be foolish to not re-sign Bell to a modest contract.
"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'd love to hear their reasoning for that then
Bell played solid football until his injury. It’s probably not because of him that much, but we’ve seen a major downturn in offensive production since he left the lineup. He was obviously a key piece of the hot start and showed he’s a competent player, so it’s somewhat odd to hear nobody expects him to be re-signed.
~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."
Williams – or Rogers – or a mobile lawn rake to replace Florence.
by zipper on Nov 14, 2011 12:00 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Perhaps a rouge bag of sand thrown onto the field?
2011 Colorado Avalanche - Not yet mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
The 2011 Buffalo Bills - Not going 0-16 this year
Burgundy Wave - SBnation's home for the Colorado Rapids
Crystal Palace FC - Oh wait, we're winning games this year? That wasn't on the schedule until 2016!
by UZ on Nov 14, 2011 6:47 PM EST up reply actions
Regardless of Hairston
I hope they add another fairly high draft pick on a tackle. We’ve done good with the journey men we have but I’m not willing to accept this group as our line going forward. We lack Elite tackles that can take over games. We don’t seem able to enforce our will upon opponents in the run game. We are restricted to quick short drops otherwise our QB is roadkill, we need to get much better.
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
by keysh67 on Nov 14, 2011 12:00 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Let Brad Smith and Spiller actually return kickoffs
these are 2 explosive guys. Let’s see what they can do. We needed a lift when we got behind by 2 TD’s, then more and only when the game was out of hand did I see a kick return.
I’m tired of seeing other teams returning kicks and we have the potential to be lethal. When I read the article on Brad Smith returning to NYC you could tell he wants to bring back some kicks. The Jets went on to bring some out and we didn’t. Why not make teams stop our guys and challenge? Our special teams haven’t been this boring in some time and we’ve all seen how this part of the game, when effective, can be a game changer.
Slow
To me Smith doesn’t look good at all when returning kicks. Is it just me or does he look super slow returning kicks? I’d rather see Spiller take every single one.
you are right but
he did well in NY as a Jet and brought some back. Two well paid players that are lauded as ‘explosive’ but are just ball catchers. Smith needs to find his groove and Spiller needs to learn how to use his elusive speed and not go down on the first tackle.
It's not just you.
Smith looks awful returning kicks.
@sawyervanhorn
by Sawyer in Boston on Nov 14, 2011 4:40 PM EST up reply actions
its the new rule
coverage is already all over returners and they are starting deep in the endzone. Hes already looking to make a move by the time he gets out of the endzone to avoid a tackler then getting up to full speed.
Its shameful how the NFL has neutered the special teams play in this league.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
haha neutered
nice word to describe it. I agree it’s shameful. I wish Dana White was the commissioner of the NFL that guy is a great leader and commish. “You don’t want to get hit then don’t play….it’s as simple as that…this is a man’s sport so just shut up” That’s what I could see him saying.
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
wow panek, no joke
I actually thought about this over the weekend given the UFC on Fox fight. I had the exact same though. How great it is that the UFC is still so young that its central figure still harbors an intense passion for the sport that he is allowed to express and be honest about because there arent any entrenched interests or business interests that he has to cater to – hes still just a guy who loves fighting and wants it to be something others enjoy.
Roger Goodell, David Stern, Bud Selig. All those guys are about as bland as it gets and its because they seem to come across as commissioners for the entrenched interests in the league, not as ambassadors and leaders of the sport they passionately love. Too bad.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
My thoughts and feelings exactly
I couldn’t have said it any better. It really is too bad.
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
I felt the same way at that point in the game.
I was cheering, “Run that ball outta there!” And they knelt down again.
All of does who disrespect us and come to our Holly ground will be knock to king dome come and turn to dust in the wind This is our House Holly to the Buffalo Nation. ~abayarde
If you don’t learn something here, you just aren’t paying attention. ~jonramz
Bench Donald Jones and keep him on Special Teams.
Resign Kamar Aiken and give him a shot with the starters.
Use Spiller in the same capacity that Parrish was used last year, in the slot.
Try some reverses.
Get Brad Smith involved more in the game.
Go back to the 4-3.
Dareus as a full-time DT, with Spencer Johnson/Dwan Edwards/Troup & Heard rotating in at DT.
Use Kelsay (when healthy) Moats, Batten and Carrington as DE’s. Moats & Batten are former 4-3 DE’s, so why not give them reps at DE.
Moats and Batten at DE
I’d be interested- though not optimistic- to see what they could do there. Aren’t they a tad undersized for the position at the pro level? (Yes, so was Schobel…but he was something special).
Fitzpatrick should have just walked around the stadium yelling "Are you not entertained!!!" ~ Dana H
by maestro110584 on Nov 14, 2011 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
Start giving Spiller more carries. Fred has looked good in the slot, so he doesn’t have to come off the field when Spiller comes on.
If Spiller isn’t lining up at RB he should be lining up outside in Jones’s place.
Hairston needs to be out on the field ASAP, because we really need to get Levitre back at LG. The Wood injury is disappointing, but hopefully it isn’t going to cost more than a week of play. The line being in shambles is likely causing our offense to sputter more than anything else.
As for McGee, he does have injury risk, but if we added another CB early in the draft (rounds 2-4) I don’t see why we would get rid of him before Florence. Florence needs to go if his play for the rest of the year even remotely resembles what it currently is.
by NordicBillsfan on Nov 14, 2011 12:09 PM EST reply actions
While maybe he hasnt been spectacular, i dont think spiller has been bad either. He simply hasnt been used much. I think he’s shown more good flashes this year than bad. Ive said it all along, give him the ball and let him use his skills. Yes, he and jackson can be two great weapons if utilized correctly.
"the man who created a legend; the legend who resurrected a franchise."
by chaucer on Nov 14, 2011 12:09 PM EST via mobile reply actions
If you buy into the Chix mantra
then you need to let the young guys play. We aren’t going to make the playoffs guys and even if we do it won’t change the fact that playing our young guys gives us the best long term results. When you build through the draft you need to quickly see what you have in your young guys. Nix clearly said in the beginning that after half a season, they ain’t rookies anymore. He prepared us for the long re-build through the draft process – so don’t stop now. CJ, Batten, Moats, Williams, Searcy, Carrington & Troup need to be playing. I’d also add Johnny White to the list. If CJ doesn’t pan out as a workhorse back, then we should have an idea what Johnny can do.
Clearly in blow out situations, we need to find ways of getting more reps to the backups
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
Bring in McIntyre
If we’re going to run from the spread formation we can also use the “I”. McIntyre, from the way he’s playing special teams, is just chomping at the bit to hit someone. Maybe he can bring some toughness to what’s starting to look like a soft offense.
Drop the Wildcat unless you’re going to finally throw the ball.
Dareus full time nose and move Williams outside.
Get a new #2 WR – I don’t care who.
SIT MCKELVIN DOWN
I would LOVE to see McIntyre in for more than 6% (or whatever the stat is) of the offensive plays. The FB is an under-utilized position in modern football- I’d like to see what Chan could do with the extra blocker in the backfield (and perhaps get away from the damn spread).
Fitzpatrick should have just walked around the stadium yelling "Are you not entertained!!!" ~ Dana H
by maestro110584 on Nov 14, 2011 12:37 PM EST up reply actions
Corey Mac
will also surprise you when he gets to tote the rock.
Put him out there!
Agreed
I realize Fitz is no Aaron Rodgers, but they have so many weapons and use them all seemingly effectively. Why can’t C-Mac get some time a la Jon Kuhn in a full backfield, even out of the shot gun like the Packers do? Gailey was seemingly a master-mind at the beginning of the year, but he has made little improvements beyond that. He needs to make changes now that teams are adjusting to our spread dink and dunk game.
"Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup" - Terry Pegula
I think that’s a good idea. Seems like teams have largely figured out the Bills’ spread. Mixing things up a little more w/ the I, using combos of Freddie, McIntye & Spiller, would be a good thing.
Not that you have to abandon the spread, just add some variety.
by dgrid on Nov 14, 2011 2:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
the harm is giving CJ the ball more is that Jackson needs the ball more, and is better and gives us the best chance to win… if/when Bell returns, he should be given the load at LT, because he has been very good there when healthy… if anything.. the offense suffers from jumping the gun to quick in terms of casting away the run game… the defense suffers from holes in talent…
I'm waitin'..... @killascript on twitter
Totally agree Brian. I would like to amend getting Spiller the ball more to just running the ball more whether its with Spiller or Jackson. You have one of the top running backs in the game right now and to not use him against a defense that was of late struggling to contain the run is just mental.
With Kyle Williams gone, you are down to 5 DL. 3-4 defenses are better off with 6 DL so shifting back Spencer Johnson is not only practical, but it would play to his strengths. Good points with Carrington.
Lastly, I definitely want more Hairston (at least while Bell is sidelined) and Aaron Williams. With Williams, he cannot do any worse than Florence or McKelvin. McKelvin shifts back to nickelback as he at least can stay with his man (height problems against Dallas more so).
We've become too predictable.
Ive had a big problem with Chans play-calling in the last 3 losses… ironically enough, in our victories, the play-calling has been what I thought was the most important aspect of the W.
Chans got to start finding other ways to get this offense going. We’ve got to adapt, and the short slants on 3rd and 8 arent cutting it. Picking up 5 yards on 3rd and 8 doesnt get it done, we need to be running routes that pick up the yards.
Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"
I got a TROPPer in the car, uhh!!
by bflo on Nov 14, 2011 12:18 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Haven't been watching many of the games
so I’m not sure what has been happening, but have Freddie and Spiller been on the field together a lot? If not, I think they should be on almost every offensive snap, especially since we’re running a spread anyway.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
You make a lot of great points
The young guys need to play more. They are doing that with Shep which will help him get more experience. Like Gailey said, the best experience is game experience so your right, these guys need to play. I just don’t think Gailey will give up with the playoffs still a “hope.”
I see a lot what you see in that Carrington is good and should be playing a lot. I’d already like to label Troup and Mckelvin as more busts. Mckelvin is just not mentally capable and has zero ball skills. He is a great athlete and at best a good KR or maybe could be a backup corner or nickel back. Its sad after all the drafts with multiple corners we still don’t have a decent one on the roster. We will be drafting more corners next year, and the obvious need of a pass rusher. I really hope Aaron Williams doesn’t become another bust, we are really bad when it comes to these drafts, its really depressing. At some point you have to get lucky right? A lot of people liked Williams and I am hoping he turns into something decent “please.”
Is it too late to let the Jets sign Florence?
"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby."
- Buddy Nix
"How can a guy with a name like Melo be such a pain in the ass?"
- George Lopez
Haha
Sad but true…
I did enjoy seeing Brady shake off a weak arm tackle from Maybin like he was a six year old girl last night. And then Maybin proceeded to perform his patented Spaz routine.
"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby."
- Buddy Nix
"How can a guy with a name like Melo be such a pain in the ass?"
- George Lopez
by dnvrBillsfan on Nov 14, 2011 2:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Well, as a 4th CB he’d probably excel.
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 Nov 14, 2011 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
we will cut spiller in a year
the jets will sign him and he will be the next LT over there… that’s what we do
I thought that you meant Left Tackle for a second there.
2011 Colorado Avalanche - Not yet mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
The 2011 Buffalo Bills - Not going 0-16 this year
Burgundy Wave - SBnation's home for the Colorado Rapids
Crystal Palace FC - Oh wait, we're winning games this year? That wasn't on the schedule until 2016!
by UZ on Nov 14, 2011 6:51 PM EST up reply actions
Not sure about change #1
what’s the harm in making Spiller a bigger part of the offense if that’s the case?
The harm is ineffective results. He continues to stutter, bob, weave, and dance his way to the line. Major differences between Spiller and Jackson are Jackson’s decisiveness and instinct. Not sure reps will teach Spiller that. Those are more natural assets, IMO.
Even on passes, Spiller does not look smooth and/or in control of his body. I think it was Simm’s yesterday who said after Spiller dropped a long pass, “He outran his feet”. IMO, he has to show giving him the ball will produce results. It almost seems Gailey doesn’t want to “waste” plays on Spiller.
Took the crow out of the oven. Replacing it with the only bird this team reminds me of...a turkey!
The harm is ineffective results. He continues to stutter, bob, weave, and dance his way to the line
How do you know? He hasnt ran the ball in weeks.
Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"
I got a TROPPer in the car, uhh!!
by bflo on Nov 14, 2011 12:29 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
and he hasn't because he's ineffective
99% of the people here think Gailey is a good coach. So, you’d have to assume he knows what he’s doing. If Spiller was effective and able to carry some of the load, a good coach would recognize that and utilize him. Ergo, I don’t think Gailey sees that(effectiveness) in Spiller or we’d have a two-headed running attack.
They do practice after all. There has to be something Gailey sees that causes him to shy away from making Spiller a bigger part of the offense. When Brian says;
It’s time for Gailey to realize that there’s room for two running backs in a modern NFL offense
I believe Gailey realizes it. He just doesn’t have the confidence in Spiller to do it.
Took the crow out of the oven. Replacing it with the only bird this team reminds me of...a turkey!
@Fansince60
That’s just not the case. The few times Spiller gets to run the ball he has looked much stronger. See the Oakland game. The dude gets no carries. I have no idea why Gailey won’t use him. Makes 0 sense. And not using Brad Smith at all makes even less sense.
Exactly.
Spiller is averaging 6+ yards per carry, albeit in limited action. But there is no reason for our #9 overall pick to not even see the ball. He has to learn eventually…
Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"
I got a TROPPer in the car, uhh!!
6.3 to be exact. And I disagree with fansince60’s feeling that he continues to stutter through the line. I remember people commenting after the Oakland game that Spiller looked more decisive, someone even said something along the lines of Spiller seemed to be learning from Freddy in terms of being patient and hitting the hole. I agreed with this at the time and I still do. Spiller has looked much better running the ball in his limited opportunity this year and I agree with the idea of making the running game the focal point of the offense. Freddy early and often with Spiller as the change of pace back…ya know, like the rest of the NFL teams with two talented backs do.
STAN UP MY BUFFALO NATION OUR DESTINY AWAITS AND WE WILL GO TO THE END OF THE LAND AND FIGHT FOR ALL THATS BEEN DENIED TO US - abayarde, who else?
They have to start dialing up some more blitzes to get pressure on opposing QBs. It’s obvious they can’t do it rushing just four guys. It’s not like keeping those guys in coverage is helping. Bring in Jairus Byrd off the edge or Aaron Williams from the slot. Even if it just speeds up the pass, they won’t be getting burned on slow developing routes.
by MattRichWarren on Nov 14, 2011 12:30 PM EST reply actions 8 recs
the CBs can't cover....might as well let them blitz
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.
1. New defensive scheme/coaching
We have some great defenders on the field in Nick Barnett, Marcell Darius, Jarius Byrd, and George Wilson. We have some good young talent in Arthur Moats, Alex Carrington, Da’norris Searcy, and Kelvin Sheppard. We have some decently reliable vets like McGee, Florence, Spencer Johnson, and Dwan Edwards. We have some guys that we can stand to upgrade like (in addition to SPencer and dwan) Leodis McKelvin and Reggie Corner.
With that line up, we should be capable of at the very least putting up some good defensive stops. We are NOT in need of a tear down/rebuild. We are only in need of some solid coaching. We need a guy that can properly evaluate our rosters talent, discover how to use who and when/where, and then teach them how to beat their man one on one. We need a coach that can draft schemes that don’t rely on such soft coverages and on a pass rush that may or may not be there. We also need a coach that can get the most out of a player and use them to generate a pass rush if a natural rusher isn’t there.
2. We need receivers.
We have to be able to get guys that can beat defenders one on one, and TWO on one. We have to be able to be in a position to throw the ball up and trust that our guy will come down with it. Re: AJ Green in Cincy, I am impressed with this guy more and more every week. Double coverage doesn’t seem to be a thing for him. We don’t have anyone on our roster that we can say the same about. Also, we need a big target. I was hoping that Marcus Easely would be that guy for us, but its unlikely he will be back with us if that health condition of his is so serious. As it stands now, our recievers are all suplimental to a big threat, and we are lacking a big threat outside of Fred Jackson.
3. We have to commit to Fred Jackson.
Run the ball early and often. Don’t let the opposing team let you flench, and that is Gailey’s problem. Romo scores an early TD and it knocks Gailey off of the gameplan. He starts to throw it like he’s in a desperate need to play catch up, and that allows the opposing coach to dictate the terms of the game. Run the ball with Fred, he IS an elite running back. He CAN drive this offense. Don’t worry about him running down, you still have spiller and the yet-unwrapped Johnny White. Run Freddy wild.
We are 5-4. The world hasn’t ended yet, but the alarm SHOULD be sounded. We HAVE to change something, having been snuffed out by the Ryans and now heading to Miami while they are hot on a 2 game win streak and finding some confidence. Then after that, back to Rex.
Back to back division games on a losing streak is NOT where we want to be.
by Wien on Nov 14, 2011 12:31 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
The Bills can’t do either of those first two things this week.
by MattRichWarren on Nov 14, 2011 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
Number 1 can be addressed. You said it yourself in regards to using Spencer Johnson as an OLB rather than a DE. That is scheme. We don’t do any overload blitzes, but it wouldn’t be overbearing to insert one into the package.
Nothing we can do about 2 now, lest we feel the need to give Kamar Aiken a shot.
If Arthur Moats is a great talent as you call him, why is Spencer Johnson at OLB? :-)
by MattRichWarren on Nov 14, 2011 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
Because he hurt Bret Favre last year, duh!
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Nov 14, 2011 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
What? Moats did, not Johnson.
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 Nov 14, 2011 4:00 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I was making more of a commentary about Moats being great (or maybe not) but just ended up being confusing.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Nov 14, 2011 5:24 PM EST up reply actions
No word insertions, please
My mouth is currently full enough with pizza as it is.
Arthur Moats is good young talent, not great. I never said great. And I can only assume that Johnson is at OLB because Gailey and Co have an obsession with Giant Men playing rush linebacker (they toyed with Carrington at this position, too. And as you note, it is a position that is more informally used as a sort of 4-3 DE anyway).
Which is fine, except for when they are used in coverage. Which is stupid, and easily exploitable. Just like Chris Kelsay (4-3 DE) going into coverage as a 3-4 OLB. You just don’t do it.
why is Spencer Johnson at OLB?
this is the only question i want answered. run a 4-3 if you want more defensive linemen on the field. He was basically useless, or at least nutralized out there, particularly when matched up on WRs which i can’t ever understand doing. i can go so far to say he was exploited. He should be on the line. let MORRISON or Batten play LOLB (stout enough against run, can still run) and let SJ or kelsay or whoever at least be a piece of extra rush coming from the other side, likely from CB or S as you suggest above.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 14, 2011 9:16 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with points 1 and 2 here… (I agree with 3, also, but other people have said it already)
I don’t think our defensive personnel is terrible. We have no OLB, that’s about all I can figure right now… I think Carrington needs to be on the field more, and I think we need to pressure QBs into quicker throws. We have strong tackling safeties, but long plays are killing us… press coverage, force quick throws and we get more turnovers.
We need receivers, yes. The “goon” squad is not as good as they think they are… but, I think they COULD be. Donald Jones hasn’t played much and it shows, he drops too much, doesn’t win when he’s asked to compete for the ball… and Stevie’s suffering because of it. Also, if they keep running these 1 or 2 yard patterns on 3rd and 3 and getting stopped short, that is a matter of COACHING. I wanna pull my eyelids off when I see that… horrible, horrible, horrible. We need a more reliable “burner” on the field, and I think we are actually missing Lee Evans at this point… even though he’s hurt and hasn’t played this year really.
decently reliable vets
Florence
spittake.jpg
2011 Colorado Avalanche - Not yet mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
The 2011 Buffalo Bills - Not going 0-16 this year
Burgundy Wave - SBnation's home for the Colorado Rapids
Crystal Palace FC - Oh wait, we're winning games this year? That wasn't on the schedule until 2016!
by UZ on Nov 14, 2011 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
He’s posted some good Ints on the year, had a great pick 6, good pass defenses. He’s let a lot get by him, too, and has commited some costly pass inter.
Thats why I didn’t say he was elite, or a shutdown. He is decently reliable. There IS such thing as a middle of the road player, its not all ELITE or AWFUL.
And for a guy who is only off the field because “Fred Jackson is so good”, why is CJ Spiller getting one touch and one passing target in that game? If he’s a playmaker, use him Chan. Tim Graham called him Trent Edwards redux today on WGR. He got tons of snaps in camp and the preseason – they even tried to make him the starter – and now that Jackson is in there he’s been completely cut out.
by MattRichWarren on Nov 14, 2011 12:33 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Edwards was way more tragic. The closest CJ got to being starter was taking a few more snaps in preseason game 2. Edwards led us to some truly ignoble defeats. Nothing spells starter like running out of bounds as the clock expires.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Nov 14, 2011 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
Jackson is a flow RB
He needs the rock as he gets better as the game goes on. He’s a true # 1 RB and workhorse. He does everything well. That doesn’t leave much for the # 2 guy (which Spiller is).
by BuffaloFanFromCT on Nov 14, 2011 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with that to an extent. He ran effectively when he wasn’t the #1 guy the last few seasons and there’s really no reason to think he couldn’t afford a handful of plays off during a game. Could make him even more effective late in the game.
"Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup" - Terry Pegula
I disagree....Spiller was a waste of a very high pick
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.
Not sure how thats disagrees with the fact the Spiller-Edwards comparison isn’t quite there. But okay.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Nov 15, 2011 11:07 AM EST up reply actions
You said Edwards was way more tragic....I disagree because Spiller was a high first round pick
and I think Edwards was a 4th round pick.
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.
Just about totally agreed
Yes for sure on Spiller and Carrington. Also on putting Spencer Johnson back to the d-line and using a combination of Moats, Batten, Kelsay and Coleman at OLB. Yes also to playing Williams and Justin Rogers a lot — although Florence has been erratic, not bad (I guess that could be considered bad for a CB). Still, it’s important to remember that the biggest problem at CB the last few weeks has not been the personnel so much as the lack of a pass rush. Give the current CB’s more help in terms of putting pressure on the QB and they will look better.
However, I do think Bell should return to his role as the starting LT once he is healthy. At this point he is bigger, stronger, more experienced and quicker than Hairston. Hairston needs to spend an offseason building up his lower body and also getting the benefit of OTA’s and training camp before he becomes a regular starter. Remember, he lost a lot of time this past year due to the lockout. So I would be careful with him and keep him as a swing OT reserve for the balance of 2011.
But I think Brian is right in saying that the big flaws we have been seeing can’t be solved until 2012. The Bills need two new pass-rushing OLB’s, another really good pass-catching TE who can also block, and a WR with the speed to go deep (i.e., not Donald Jones). (Maybe that WR is Spiller — it would be worth giving him some deep routes to find out.) Until those four new players are added to the roster, other teams will be able to take advantage of our weaknesses and we will continue to have trouble beating really good teams.
i was going to rec this except for:
However, I do think Bell should return to his role as the starting LT once he is healthy. At this point he is bigger, stronger, more experienced and quicker than Hairston.
I disagree completely. Hairston is definitely bigger. They are at very least of similar strength. They have similar experience (Bell has played this position 3 years, after being a TE in college/ Hairston started at LT 3+ college seasons, and has been at no least comparable or competent.) and I can’t say I would call Bell quicker, but maybe smaller or potentially a better lateral mover. I have to say that even that considered, Hairston’s reach and added size gives him a better advantage. They are similar for different reason. each has advantages, each bring some kinds of disadvantages.
Hairston needs to spend an offseason building up his lower body and also getting the benefit of OTA’s and training camp before he becomes a regular starter.
No doubt he would and will benefit, but Chan has said consistently that game experience is better. You don’t get that from practice. you certainly don’t get that in minicamp. He has shown enough for me, that he can be a starter moving forward because we don’t have enough starters or depth enough to compete as of right now as it is, and Bell hasn’t exactly been a model of consistency either. Hairston will likely be our LT of the future, not D Bell. I would rather see Bell as a RG or RT, as depth if it means Urbik and Pears are just better. That creates some kind of competition over there, and we need to accept that we will draft OL this year. Should we turn it around this year and remain competitive, we still are only a few wrong snaps from in serious trouble.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 14, 2011 9:27 PM EST up reply actions
probably should have phrased, “has been at very least comparable to Bell, certainly competent.”
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 14, 2011 9:29 PM EST up reply actions
A dog that's not barking
No one here seems to think that Troup needs substantially more playing time. Is there consensus that he looks like a bust?
Step away from the ledge!
Folks this might turn into a lengthy soapbox talk but the bottom line is we are 1 game out of the wildcard. Clearly some things are broken (hence the two blowouts) so let’s address those
1.) Defense
It all starts with the defense. We can’t expect Fitz and our offense to move the ball consistently with the ease that our opponents are. It’s like watching a Madden game on All-Madden – it looks almost unfair. Our ability to stop the run and pass has been a joke the past two games. On the passing – teams are seeing that a double move and deep throw is our achilles heel. A good pass rush wouldn’t allow those plays to develop. Running plays are consistently getting past our LB’ers at the line of scrimmage and our DL isn’t getting a good push.
Defensive Line
Horrid – Troup has been horrid and is quickly earning the “bust” title. When I see him on the field I see nothing even close to dominance. Despite a great off-season in training, he still looks like he is getting manhandled. Dareus doesn’t appear to be getting any push up the center to collapse the pocket. Carrington has been playing well and Edwards has been too but their job is to gobble up blockers for the LB’ers to make the plays. We need help in the center – losing Williams was a gamechanger for us.
Linebackers
Horrid – I never thought I’d say this but we need Kelsay back. Our OLB can’t contain or cover TE’s. Our ILB (except Barnett) aren’t playing very physical. Sheppard is a liability in pass coverage, Davis is slow and old and I haven’t seen Morrison enough to say what he is yet.
Cornerbacks
McGee is physical and clearly our best CB. Aaron Williams showed flashes of good play and I’m eager to see him back. McKelvin appears to be around the ball (most of the time) but he just can’t play the ball. McKelvin was in position on the deep pass to Bryant but Bryant made a great play on the ball and McKelvin just didnt play the ball that well. Florance??? It looked like he was throwing the game…let’s call him “Shoeless Joe” Florance.
Safetys
Byrd and Wilson have been solid. I’ve been disappointed with Byrd when he blitzes – he gets caught up in blocks far too easily but overall they are a consistent staple of our defense.
Summary
We have been killed by the injury bug but that is no excuse. We just don’t have athletic depth on our team yet. We aren’t getting any pass rush which is keeping our CB’s on an island (and it isn’t Revis Island – more like Gilligan’s Island). One good OLB that can pass rush isn’t going to fix our pass rush – we need to scheme better. More overload blitzes and greater variety. This scheme needs to be fixed.
2.) Offense
With our poor defense, we need our offense to be explosive to put the other team’s offense into one dimension. Our offense just isn’t getting it done. Does it start with the QB, RB, WR or OL? I believe it all starts up front.
Offensive Line
I’ve noticed Levitre getting manhandled outside – he even got knocked flat on his behind a couple plays. Even Maybin nearly knocked him over. He’s playing well for a guard stepping in at LT but he clearly isn’t a LT. This has affected Fitz in that he clearly isn’t comfortable back there. Our OL looks good but two LT injuries has left us depleted and vunderable to the pass rush. This OL needs to get better pass protection. It’s killing our offense. Yes – I think our OL is the root cause of our offensive problems.
WR
Stevie seems to be getting shut down but he also isn’t doing his quick slant that he is great at. I know this will sound wierd but it looks like Jones doesn’t want to succeed. He’s in position to get it done but lapses in concentration is killing him. He could be a legit # 2 WR if he can keep his concentration. For his first year starting I don’t think he’s played poorly. If he jumped a couple seconds later, some of those “overthrows” would have been catches. He’s close…don’t give up on him yet. Nelson is a great possession receiver and Roosevelt is non-existant like a UDFA should be. Seriously though – Brad Smith needs to develop into a WR. HE MUST BECOME A QUALITY # 4 WR – I don’t think that is asking much.
RB
Fred is playing great. Keep feeding him the rock. This team needs to pound Fred and then bring in Spiller for a change of pace. We have one of the most talented RB corps in the NFL – it’s time to highlight that. Spiller can do it but he needs the chances. He hasn’t gotten enough chances to get some flow – which is CRUCIAL to any RB. No flow = no performance.
Scheme
Yes, I skipped over TE and Fitz becuase I think they’ve played well. Our scheme just isn’t working. How many times did we throw the screen play and it was BLOWN up? Teams know this is our bread and butter. Like so many have said, it is time to adapt. Chan and our OC need to step it up and get more creative. I loved that he dialed up some deep throws – BRAVO! But it is time to work Smith into the game with some end-arounds and bring back the quick slant to Stevie – it is his (and Fitz’s) bread and butter. Fitz to Stevie on a quick slant is an automatic 6-7 yards and that opens Stevie up for his slant juke and deep ball.
Summary
Offense needs our LT back. That will bring a lot of consistancy up front which will flow to Fitz and our receiving corp. If our passing game opens up then our running game will get better too. It all revolves around the LT position.
Special Teams
Moorman is FAST!!! We need to run a Punt fake every now and again. I’ve seen the holes open up that a mactruck could run through. Fake the punt!!! Oh…and return some kickoffs even if they are 5+ yards deep. Who cares if we start at the 15 yard line or 20 yard line – returning kicks gets the energy flowing for our team to come out. I believe we come out flat when we kneel the ball. Return the kick!
Team Summary
Defense needs a new scheme (and better talent) but new scheme is # 1.
Offense needs a LT back on the field.
Don’t jump off the ledge yet. We have Hairston coming back which should help our OL and ultimately bring our offense back to life. I believe Chan will fix the playcalling issues and our offense should be back.
My concern is with the defense. I just don’t see them getting a pass rush with this personnel or scheme which leaves our CB’s out of luck. I still think we can compete for a wild card spot but we need to fix the defense. Either get a pass rush or move back to zone coverage where Byrd can ball-hawk.
by BuffaloFanFromCT on Nov 14, 2011 12:52 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
all good ideas but...
The caveat to most of them is “when they are healthy.”.
by bourgmic on Nov 14, 2011 1:03 PM EST via mobile reply actions
CJ Spiller = Percy Harvin
I believe these guys are similar in so many ways. I think the ticket for CJ is as a hybrid WR/RB like Percy Harvin.
I need to see Chan try to find ways of involving CJ way more in the “creative” passing game. I can’t stand seeing 10 targets to Donald Jones in a game when a few bounce off his hands and into defenders while CJ is on the bench. When CJ stepped in at WR he did well and dropped way fewer than Jones doe on a regular basis.
Fred is going to get paid and thus will be our workhouse next year and possible even in 2013, so what’s the harm in adapting CJ to a hybrid role like Harvin and see him on the field on every play. We drafted him high for a reason, because he’s a great athlete. C’mon Chan, if you can transform Roscoes career then certainly you should be able to work with what CJ can bring to the table.
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
by keysh67 on Nov 14, 2011 1:05 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Agreed
I would also throw in the names of Dexter McCluster, Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles. They are all used of have been used by good offensive minds very creatively and effectively in the past and present. The way the Chiefs used McCluster on Monday night last week I was shaking my head saying “why can’t we use CJ like that?”
"Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup" - Terry Pegula
I see a lot of comparisons with Spiller
But, to me, he doesn’t have the quickness that those guys have with the ball in his hands. He may be fast, but I don’t think his moves are all that quick. He just doesn’t look smooth out there with the ball in his hands, which I think is a reason he isn’t very elusive or makes guys miss.
~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."
CJ serves no purpose on the bench. We paid a lot to get him, so we might as well use him and let him develop on the field. What else are we supposed to do let him warm the bench another two years then let him go?
In his few reps at WR he did pretty good, enough to warrant giving him some reps instead of Donald Jones. I would give him some plays at RB, WR3 & WR2 and move him around, give him some end-arounds, screens, etc. Keep him on the field either as a decoy or a real target. The other place I would use him is Punt & kick returns, Brad Smith is too slow to return kicks.
All I’m saying that that I want to see Chan give CJ lots of playing time and opportunities to develop. He needs to get onto the field and be given the opportunity.
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
Sink or swim
At this point, why not?
I agree that he could be used on returns more or on reverses and screens, but let’s not kid ourselves here. He’s done nothing to prove he can make anything happen with any of those touches. Maybe he would this time around, maybe he can in the future, but seeing all these comparisons and questions about why he isn’t as successful as so and so, just makes me laugh a bit.
~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."
I certainly don’t disagree with you Jason. Probably when Chix drafted him they knew they were going to rid themselves of Lynch and were planning for him to be his replacement. Then Freddy proves them otherwise. As talent evaluators I’m confused because we all could see that Freddy would succeed if given the chance, especially behind a halfway decent line.
But now that they intend on locking up Freddy for a few years more and paying his due, that means that we either trade CJ or find another use for him. I certainly don’t agree with leaving him warm the bench with the salary we are paying him. The comparison to other players is based on his size, physical abilities and college production – certainly not based on anything he’s ever shown us in the NFL (cause he’s never gotten the chance to show us). On this note, let me remind you how vocal I was about giving Stevie a chance since the first day he walked onto a field and even more in his second year when we had two dead men walking (Owens & Reed) – many people around here challenged me but look what he’s done since getting the chance. I think the game needs to slow down for CJ and getting lots of reps will help a lot. I sincerely hope he is who Chix taught that they were drafting.
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
at the moment he is a no-brid
not on the field in either RB or WR.
by Billsdownunder on Nov 14, 2011 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
Was George Wilson hurt yesterday? Or was the coaching staff trying to shake things up?
Why was Searcy in the game so much, not that he played that bad though.
Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"
I got a TROPPer in the car, uhh!!
He was on the field after something happened to wilson can not remember what.
"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 Nov 14, 2011 1:42 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think I heard something about a stinger
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Nov 14, 2011 1:57 PM EST up reply actions
too predictable
I will echo the comment that the team is too predictable. I can’t recall them running a single reverse all season. They never throw out of the wildcat. They rarely try to throw long. So what happens? It doesn’t take long before the defense is stacking the box and pressing the receivers on the short routes. They need to break those by throwing long occasionally (even if successful), run some misdirection, or even throw in a fleaflicker. What we are seeing instead are bizarre play calls, like a slow-developing handoff on 4th and inches last week when they should have come with a QB sneak, and a low-percentage corner route (to a receiver who has not shown great hands) on a 4th and 2. Gailey is out-thinking himself and the result is that he is calling plays that the team can’t execute when they need to.
As for the defense, they are simply putting the wrong guys in the wrong places with terrible schemes. Perry Fewell achieved so much more with so much less. I just hope that Gailey can put football ahead of friendship and see that Edwards is not the right man for the job.
Looking ahead to the off-season, I think the Bills need a top-shelf CB, a pass-rushing DE or OLB, and a WR to complement Stevie Johnson (unless Marcus Easley is ever actually going to play). I like David Nelson, but he’s a slot receiver, not a #2. I didn’t think much of Donald Jones in the preseason, and the more I see him, the less I like him. They need a true speed receiver who can actually catch the ball. More offensive line depth would be good, but those will probably be later round picks. Also, while Fitz will be the QB for now, I still don’t see him as the future. They need to start grooming somebody for that role. Tyler Thigpen is neither the future nor the present — he is just awful.
by SiriusRed on Nov 14, 2011 1:09 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Predictability is not the problem, its execution....
Many teams in the NFL run the sme exact plays week over week, the Colts, yes they had manning, would only use a handful of plays every week. The difference is execution, most teams only have a couple of plays that they run that the other team has not seen before not every play.
Its all about execution.
#1: Put McKelvin in the slot.
He is much better at man/inside zone coverage than the outside zone, and he matches up much better against smaller, faster players than he does against the beasts of the league. No, he wasn’t worth a high 1st round pick, but let’s not just be bitter about draft status and throw away ANY talent on a team that severely lacks it.
#2: CJ needs to take Donald Jones’ reps. There’s nothing else to it. Jones doesn’t pull double-coverage, he can’t consistently beat a man down the sidelines, and he has had a sever case of the dropsies since coming back from his injury. CJ has all the same deficiencies with regard to catching and route-running, but defenses respect his speed. He has had a consistent 10-15 yard cushion from the DB when he is split out wide. That clears out space for another receiver to get open, pull safety coverage over the top to his side (and away from Stevie or out of a blitz) or helps CJ get open on a hitch, slant, etc.
#3: Carrington is a beast waiting to be uncaged. That is all.
Where u guys going to be send. You will not need prayers you do not need your soul. You will be in a place not even the. Undead. Walk.
-abayarde
by APhoenixDestiny on Nov 14, 2011 1:38 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
No, he wasn’t worth a high 1st round pick, but let’s not just be bitter about draft status and throw away ANY talent on a team that severely lacks it.
I believe this is called ‘Pulling a Whitner’
2011 Colorado Avalanche - Not yet mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
The 2011 Buffalo Bills - Not going 0-16 this year
Burgundy Wave - SBnation's home for the Colorado Rapids
Crystal Palace FC - Oh wait, we're winning games this year? That wasn't on the schedule until 2016!
by UZ on Nov 14, 2011 6:54 PM EST up reply actions
Its time to scrap the playbook gailey. Make something up invent a new offense. Maybe use 2qbs and 2rbs at once. All in a formation that allows a snap to any of them. You get fitz, smith, freddy , and cj all on the field at the same time.
"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 Nov 14, 2011 2:10 PM EST via mobile reply actions
The Bills have limited options on D. Lacking any pass rush, the Bills secondary is at the Mercy of any decent QB. With that in mind I would rush 4 big guys and tell them to get their hands up on every pass. Forget getting sacks, just clog the interior throwing lanes and hope for tipped balls. Play lots of cover 2 and at least let the DBs look at the LOS to help with the run.
On Offense : I would suggest using a lot more of 2 personnel groups. Stevie and Nelson at WR, Chandler at TE, and FJ and CJ in the game at the same time. I would use CJ at) and at WR. Fred can be an impact blocker and can lead CJ as he use to lead Marshawn. This lineup puts are best players on the field. All except CJ are good blockers. CJ can lineup as) or WR. Nelson can be used in the backfield in an H back role. Bottom line is that this grouping can play power football, 5 wide, and anything in between.
Also, does anyone think having FJ fake blocking the bubble screen for Fred, and then running a streak would be wide open? All Fits has to do is pump fake it to Fred and CJ would be 15 yards fron anyone. Call it bubble screen play action.
I’m not a trained football analysT, but my goodness the jets and boys were over playing FJ. It is time to make them pay for that aggression.
J
by WhatGoesAround on Nov 14, 2011 2:17 PM EST via mobile reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd
I was trying to argue this in the Fred player of the week and no one bit. These guys are keyed on Fred. He gets production when we force them to worry about someone else (like after the 18 yard gain by Chandler, Fred immediately ran for 20 or so). In both these games I almost thought we were too committed to doing the same things with Fred, we need to make people pay for that and then come back to him. Or at least use him in new ways.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Nov 14, 2011 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
its troubling
that we havent been able to take advantage of the defense keying on Fred through playaction or getting the D to bite on a “screen” as WhatGoesAround mentions above.
Gailey needs to adjust
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
Biggest thing is fitz sucks at play action.
"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 Nov 14, 2011 2:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, I don’t think he like turning his back on the defense.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Nov 14, 2011 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
From what I have read matt barkley is pretty good at pa.
"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 Nov 14, 2011 3:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
hahah you're really pushing Barkley matt
reports are surfacing that some scouts like him more than Luck. The odds of any teams outside the top 5 getting a sniff at either is looking unlikely
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
One guy always fall barkley has some knocks on him. Hieght and arm strength are the most numerous mentioned off the top off my head. The fall may be landry jones though he really sucks with pressure up the middle. Its his huge red flag.
"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 Nov 14, 2011 4:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
yea at the end of the day, after scouts and the media are done over-analyzing everything about these guys (see: Cam Newton), someone will fall or someone will climb (see: Christian Ponder). Still way to early to tell, you are right about that.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
Lane Kiffin
I’m just worried about whatever Lane Kiffin is teaching the kid… Hopefully it isn’t how to become a bust a la J Russell.
Landry Jones
or Matt Barkley may become our Aaron Rodgers…..scouts over analyzing and picking apart too many things. Well let the guy sit and learn for a year or 2 while Fitz plays QB and then boom! Comes in and lights the league on fire.
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
yea im not sure why people are mad about Fitz contract
hes a leader and a guy who gets the playbook and can be coached. He may be a winner yet. Either way, hes a QB who can play and lead and those are hard to find. His contract is perfectly designed to lock him up if he is that franchise guy as well as perfect to allow a young guy to be mentored for 4 or so years if hes not.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
I'm not mad at the Fitz contract at all
However I’m starting to lose faith in Fitz. Prior to the year I was not really on the FitzMagic train and thought we would tank again and need a franchise QB. So far Fitz has shown me a lot. I still don’t think he is a franchise QB but he is a capable starting QB. What he needs is good talent around him and he can be good, he can mask others deficencies and short comings but nobody can really mask his. I like the contract because it does allow us to draft a franchise guy if one falls to us at some time over the next 6 years. We don’t have to reach which is nice.
That being said Fitz isn’t a franchise guy mainly because when a team is being shut down or the ground game is completely ineffective (like the Jets game) he’s just not the guy you can rely on to take the reigns, rally the troops and take over the game ( like a Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and Drew Brees). He has shown he can lead comebacks when the ground game is working but when it’s all on him he just falls short which is sad. I like Fitz, I just don’t think he’s “the guy” he’s the guy you have until you draft “the guy”. He’ll have great games and bad games and get you bye for a few years until you land that franchise QB.
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
I’m only mad because it was such a rich contract that I lack faith in the Bills to give any money to anyone else after it.
2011 Colorado Avalanche - Not yet mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
The 2011 Buffalo Bills - Not going 0-16 this year
Burgundy Wave - SBnation's home for the Colorado Rapids
Crystal Palace FC - Oh wait, we're winning games this year? That wasn't on the schedule until 2016!
by UZ on Nov 14, 2011 6:55 PM EST up reply actions
Fitz doesnt love it, but even giving a run look in a run down can be enough (one of Chandler’s TDs against WAS). Against Dallas on our TD drive, we started with a fake handoff — we’d been stopped cold on the prior drive by feeding Fred three times, run screen screen. And I thought Dallas was keyed on Fred the whole drive. So this was a smart way to try and start to loosen them up. But this game got away from us, I really liked the play calling on the TD drive. If we could ahve gotten a stop maybe that rhythym could ahve carried over…
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Nov 14, 2011 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
And yeah, we need to self scout whats worked for us so we can put in the equivalent of the go route when teams start thinking they can anticipate what we are doing.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Nov 14, 2011 3:07 PM EST up reply actions
I say let Fred Jackson
throw a pass, it worked for Marshawn Lynch a couple of years back. Teams are so desperate to stop Fred someones got to be free down the field if they play it right
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
Reaching Physical Limits Limits
I am sure their are plenty of plays Gailey would like to use, but the depleted O-Line cannot carry it off. As for the defense, we barely had the depth to have a d-line, let alone a really competent one. Losing Pro Bowl players at the line means they are at the LB immediately. And as far as secondary is concerned 5"8" is never going to be 6’1". There you have it: No depth is no good.
Go big or go home.
Physical play
I think the D really needs to get more physical. When the opposing WRs are too scared of getting lit up to go across the middle, you tend to not get beat (like we did yesterday against Witten and co.) for those get just behind the zone and sit on the first down line passes or the quick ins/slants. It seems like the DBs/LBs are waiting for the WR/TE/RB to catch the ball, and then pull them down while falling… Why not lower the shoulder and pop them one in the gut? It even has the benefit of possibly popping the ball out before they have full control!
It just looks to me like our D is soft. We need someone like C-Mac to hit people on D. Someone who just loves hitting and wants to just beat down the opposing team.
as long as were playing the young card
how about searcy getting some reps from brian scott? after a good start to the season it looks to me like hes really trailed off. and ive been shocked at how well searcy moves around for a guy his size
he was on the field for Wilson in last game
He made some mistakes, but he looks fast and i think he is a solid player. He almost had a pick
Fitzmagic
Every week
I think that this is the week that Gailey is going to open up the playbook but it never happens. I get really disappointed when B Smith and CJ get less than a handful of touches a game. I have already said it, but it needs repeating; if Gailey is such an offensive genius then he needs to start getting the ball to his playmakers. D Jones is not a playmaker, why does he get so many more looks than CJ and B Smith. Also, lets see a couple plays in a row with B Smith as the QB with CJ and FredEx in the backfield. Hell, I could come up with a few plays that would make defenses at least game plan for these 3 in the backfield at the same time. We have become extremely predicatable; the opposing defenses are keying on what we do and our offensive genius has yet to implent anything that changes the way that defenses prepare for us. The thing that upsets me the most is that I think we have better talent than we are putting out there every week. B Smith is a proven playmaker, CJ is a potential huge playmaker but we can’t get them on the field much less get them the ball.
Never confuse movement with action.
~Ernest Hemingway
I think Gailey did open up the playbook
it just doesn’t have many pages….
by Billsdownunder on Nov 14, 2011 10:51 PM EST up reply actions
3rd and short
Can we please stop going for the long ball on third and short. It reeks of desperation. “Our only chance for a big play is to go to Donald or Stevie on a streak down the sideline when defenses think we’ll be going for the 3-yard pass and the first down.”
We should be going for the first down. I think in the past two games we were 0-10 in those situations.
Agree but
I’ve seen alot of 3rd and short runs also go nowhere as well. What I’d like to see more of is the quick snap QB sneak under a yard. We haven’t done it in a while and perhaps ony once all season. This was a Brady staple and you would think a more athletic QB like Fitz would be as, if not more successful. I just hate those slow forming handoffs that give te entire defense time to penetrate.
"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban
I can't believe I'm writing this but...
Should the Bills consider giving Terrell Owens a shot? Even at his age, he may just be an upgrade over Jones. I never liked him, though I warmed slightly during his short tenure with the Bills. He may just have 7 more games in those creaky legs and knows Fitz and can learn any system fast (see Bills and Bengals). Also at his age he is most likely will not be a distraction. I always admired his work ethic. By all means, give the young guys their reps, but a crafty veteran can be a nice alternative.
Of course it’ll never happen, but feel free to bash this idea to pieces…I’ll probably do so myself after a few hours sleep and a clear head!
"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban
Drayton was handpicked by this regime
They picked him just like they did Barnett, Brad Smith, and every other FA. Drayton tested the waters and the Bills showed him the money. It wont surprise me to see him get more PT than Mcgee even due to this reason.
not the sole example
of us being roster handicapped by their familiar “guy” but if his play consistently puts us into poor position, that is no longer offset by play-making ability, they have shown that they will put other guys out there. They are evaluating all the time. We certainly can’t afford to not have guys like him on the roster, But i happily demote him to 4th CB if Williams and Mcgee can start, and let Reggie or Justin rogers try out the slot. I might even go for drayton inside again, but he didn’t seem to be able to compete with TE’s at all.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Nov 14, 2011 9:32 PM EST up reply actions
What the Bills coaches should do...
1) Don’t panic.
2) Pray Hairston can start this week, and stays healthy.
3) Scout, scout, and scout outside linebackers coming out in the draft in April draft. Figure out which one (or two) you can go after in the 1st and 2nd rounds.
4) Ditto corners. Draft a corner, early. Maybe you go OLB in 1 and CB in the 2nd.
5) Remember the Alamon
This is easy for me at least
1.) Be more agressive, we are getting torched trying to to play cover defense, so why not get torched blitzing teams. We made Tony Romo look like Aaron Rodgers on Sunday. That can’t happen. We have to make guys like Andy Dalton, Tony Romo, Mark Sanchez feel the heat.
2.) Stop throwing and running the exact same plays for to 5 times a game. Chan has ran that same crossing route to try and set the pick at least 4 times a game for the least 5 games. Run switch it up, switch it up again then maybe maybe run it again.
3.) Stop trusting Ryan Fitzpatrick so much. When did Ryan Fitzpatrick become Tom Brady? When in his career has he been able to sit in the pocket and poick apart a defense? NEVER!!!! He is a quick read thrower that Chan has gotten the most out of. He is now signed to a long term deal so we better get used to it. Ryan make the read throw the ball. it all starts with gettin g the read!!!!! Get the Read right. Your so smart and went to Harvard, the media loves to remind us. make the read!!!!!!!!!! It’s integral to our success so get in the film room and stay there for the rest of the week until you can recoginize defenses better. Here’s a hint? when we are running a WR screen and the defense loads up on it, CHANGE THE PLAY!!!!!!
4.) Continue to build depth along the OL, to be completley honest i haven’t seen much drop off all year long regardless of who is out there. Good Work Boys keep it going.
5.) Use more Freddie CJ combos. The more times those two are on the field together the better, make LB play pass coverage against these two. if LB’s are out in coverage they can’t clog the middle, if they don’t clog the middle we can run more crossing routes, if we can run more crossing routes we can run more downfield routes.
and last but not least, Use Naaman. The Kid catches the ball, he runs good routes and catches the ball. Oh and convert a 3rd down on offence and stop a 3rd down on defence, no big deal!
"Big Gulps Eh, Well See ya later" - Lloyd Christmas
" You Gus ready To Let The Dogs Out" "What?" " you Know, Who Let the dogs out rough rough rogh rough" - Zack Galifinakis - The Hangover
by PaullyPforPrez on Nov 15, 2011 10:19 AM EST reply actions
Changes.
Look I don’t pretend to have any graet insight. But I’d like to see us try more power formations on offense, 2 TEs, run the ball more, use the fullback as a ball carrier some! Some said put Donald Jones on defense as a DB, I’m saying I support that but I wouldn’t have a problem with either, it worked well for G Wilson. Also when need didn’t NE do it with ine of their recievers, Listen the way most DBs cover in this leauge no bump, not enough speed, don’t turn their head around at all, not tall enough, wont go after the ball, other than his pride if asked why wouldn’t he stand just as good of a chance as any other DB? Use what we have or cut them as dead wieght, starting with the fullback, if Moats can’t play outside or inside let him go,if you don’t want Spencer J to play inside let him go, there are others. I don’t mean to call these players out simply our use of them. I agree we should find a way make better use of Spiller. In the future place a higher priority on actual strengh not just size or speed, but let’s be stronger at the point of attack, not just with numbers or schem, but guys who Are Strong, Mean, and Tuff!
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