Injuries have not helped!

by BuffaloWhiner on Dec 8, 2011 6:41 PM EST

As I read some of the comments here, ripping into Fitz and some that were claiming that CJ Spiller was a bust, while bringing up the ghost's of prior drafts like Maybin, we also should not overlook the fact that the Bills have had numerous injuries and for a team that is rebuilding, it is hard to find quality depth. That being said, Bills fans should look at this season as one to build on and not be so pessimistic as we have been during the Jauron years.

We lost Reggie Torbor, Merriman (was lost when he signed pretty much), Kyle Williams, Terrence McGee for the season, while also having numerous starters missing games on Defense. On the offensive side, we lost our best player on the team, Eric Wood, while also losing Fred Jackson, Roscoe Parrish (what a surprise), and Marcus Easley and Donald Jones at Wide Receiver. That is a total of 7-8 starters total, depending upon how you look at thing's. Coming off a 4-12 season, the Bills are not going to gain quality depth in the course of one year.

The problem I see with this team is that they cannot rush the passer and have no pass rush, which a team is only going to go so far defensively without a pass rush. You can blame Fitz, but all the playoff caliber teams have good defenses that can rush the passer. Tampa Bay faded pretty quickly this season after last year's 10-6 record, so I would hope that the Bills focus on defense again this season, so we can get rid of two players that are out of position at OLB in Chris Kelsey and Spencer Johnson. Since the draft is weak for OLB, I would hope the Bills have a shot at Courtney Upshaw.

Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.

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Its very true

I think the Bills are definitely going in the right direction. We all knew we were in a rebuild, expectations got inflated during the win streak because yes were getting more talented. BUT we are not to the pint where we can sustain injuries to key personnel. I think were farther ahead than people give us credit for, one or two more solid drafts, we will be right where we need to be

by BMWdrummerman777 on Dec 8, 2011 6:54 PM EST reply actions

exactly

I think with 1 more solid draft, and a good FA period (to acquire veteran depth) we can be a playoff team or very close to it.

You are now Watching The Throne.

by tomcs on Dec 8, 2011 7:30 PM EST up reply actions

I agree with everything EXCEPT getting rid of Kelsay and Spencer Johnson.

On a team that needs depth you don’t just let go of to quality depth leaders, one of which is a known leader for the defense.

What needs to happen is getting Johnson back to the D-Line where he belongs. And more importantly, finding someone who can start ahead of Kelsay.

Fact is that Kelsay has arguably had his best year as a Bill this year. Sure he’s spotty at best as a pass rusher, but he’s our best run defender in the LB corps. So even if he should no longer has a spot as a starter and this team, and he shouldn’t, he still very much has a spot as our top sub at OLB and our best run defender at OLB.

I’ve got to say that of all our OLB’s there’s no one else I’d rather have manning the edge on obvious run downs. He just has a way of getting to the ball during running situations. Ad for that alone he still has a spot on this team.

The Buffalo Bills, finding new and exciting ways to lose since January 8th, 2000.

by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 8, 2011 7:48 PM EST reply actions

agree about Kelsay, but I say he should be the starter next season, w/ a pass-rushing OLB subbing in for him on passing downs.

by dgrid on Dec 8, 2011 11:32 PM EST up reply actions

We're essentially agreeing.

Rookie pass rusher on passing situations, Kelsay on rushing situations, and the hot player gets to stay on the field the rest of the time.

The Buffalo Bills, finding new and exciting ways to lose since January 8th, 2000.

by CanadianBillsFan on Dec 9, 2011 12:53 AM EST up reply actions

New Approach to Physical Preparedness

With the substantial number of injuries on this team over the last three years, would it not be advisable to spend whatever money – I mean whatever – it takes to get them healthier and better equipped to work through the NFL season?

Seriously, even if they had to hire many personal trainers to visit the players every day throughout the year, given the players salary and lost value on the field – it has to be in the millions – wouldn’t it make sense to do this?

Go big or go home.

by jackkemp15 on Dec 9, 2011 9:09 PM EST reply actions