Bills Commit To Spread Offense With Tyler Thigpen Acquisition
by Brian Galliford on Jul 27, 2011 9:16 AM EDT
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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PrintWay back in May, in an article that focused on why I thought Vince Young was a poor backup quarterback option for the Buffalo Bills, I made my stance clear on why I think the Bills found an ideal understudy for Ryan Fitzpatrick in Tyler Thigpen.
The argument was multi-faceted. The Bills needed a quarterback that won't challenge Fitzpatrick in the court of public opinion, and in this case, I believe the Bills have failed; Thigpen's ties to Chan Gailey should make him a very popular player amongst Bills fans if Fitzpatrick, the team's unquestioned starter for the moment, struggles next year. It will not, however, be a problem in the short term.
Where the team succeeded is in finding a backup that most closely emulates the playing style and systematic tendencies of its starter. Fitzpatrick and Thigpen are quite a lot alike: they're both gutsy, athletic players that are most comfortable operating an offense out of the spread, preferably in the shotgun. Thigpen and Gailey worked in the Pistol offense in 2008, an offense that Gailey used quite frequently in his first year with the Bills.
Even though it appears that Thigpen wasn't the team's first choice to back up Fitzpatrick - possibly for the controversy reason cited earlier - at minimum, they've secured their offensive identity for the 2011 season, even if Fitzpatrick is injured. Your Bills are going to be a spread-'em-out, shotgun offense next year, friends.
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And
That is an exciting style of offense. It plays to our receiving core and our players have semingly bought into that philosophy. I can imagine even Levi is excited to be a part of that style. We are set at QB now and I am grateful for that.
CC Infantino
I say scrap the spread.
We are going no where as long as we use it as a base offense, as well as the pistol.
A QB needs to be under center, except on 3rd and long, and 2nd and really long, if you want to be able to use and sell play action and misdirection, operating out of the spread takes away these two weapons from the arsenal of plays.
Girls use hair spray, Men don't.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!
Don't be a Paully!
by The Buffalo Kid on Jul 27, 2011 9:12 AM EDT reply actions
Well, that’s a good idea. Right after you sign your third spread quarterback, go ahead and scrap it. :)
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jul 27, 2011 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Brian
i cant imagine a better QB in a spread offense than VY. That’s the scheme he played at Texas and he most produced.
by Fernando brazil on Jul 27, 2011 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s not the scheme he’s played in the NFL, though. Plus, the dude’s a head case.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jul 27, 2011 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
if he could play well under fisher
and his run-run-pass on third and long, he could be great under Gailey. You will regret on your article when he plays against us twice a year with the Dolphins. You remenber Poz chasing him around two years ago?
by Fernando brazil on Jul 27, 2011 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I disagree.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Are you Desmond Hume?
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Could be
But the same was said about Kurt Warner (at least twice), Rich Gannon, Jim Plunkett, Dilfer etc there are always players that rebound when given a 2nd chance…
A flute without holes, is not a flute. A donut without a hole, is a Danish.
Ty webb (Caddyshack)
And one cannot deny the success Vince Young has had on the field.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
and add to that list Steve Young. He was horrible in Tampa on a bad team. 49er’s get him and the rest is history.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Jul 27, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I disagree also.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Jul 27, 2011 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
That's why we need someone like Luck.
that kid can sell play action like a champion, even the patriots scrapped the spread base offense once they saw the flaws of it at the pro level when the Giants ruined their perfect season. I think this spread stuff is just faulty logic by the Bills brain trust.
Girls use hair spray, Men don't.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!
Don't be a Paully!
by The Buffalo Kid on Jul 27, 2011 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Not in the short term, it’s not. It’s all they can do, really. And I’m not claiming that it’s their long-term direction, either.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jul 27, 2011 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Glad you clarified.
When I see a headline that says
Bills Commit To Spread Offense With Tyler Thigpen Acquisition
A commitment is generally viewed with the connotation of long term.
In the short term, I understand why they go with it.
I don’t think it is possible for a base spread offense to win a superbowl in the NFL.
It can be a useful package against certain defensive personnel, but as a base offense, it won’t win it all. The speed factor is too great in the NFL.
Girls use hair spray, Men don't.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!
Don't be a Paully!
by The Buffalo Kid on Jul 27, 2011 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Luckily for the Bills, they’re in no position to contend for a Super Bowl in the near future.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
How is it not possible when the Patriots made it to the Super Bowl the same year you referenced. The Super Bowl is just one of many playoff games and is often not the toughest one. Citing a team having a perfect season and then going to the Super Bowl as an example of how the spread isn’t effective in the NFL and can’t lead to a Super Bowl victory makes little sense to me. Not to say I’m in favor of the spread long-term for the Bills.
Not in the short term, it’s not. It’s all they can do, really.
Not a truer statement.
I had a drink the other day
Opinions were like kittens
I was giving them away
-Modest Mouse
by oompaloompa on Jul 27, 2011 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
how about
Not a truer statement.
You’ll have trouble playing a 3-4 with 4-3 personnel
Y'all- There's a "D" in rebuild, but no "O"- The gospel according to Buddy Nix 4:12
by fansince60 on Jul 27, 2011 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
sigh.
yep.
I had a drink the other day
Opinions were like kittens
I was giving them away
-Modest Mouse
by oompaloompa on Jul 27, 2011 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
So we draft Andrew Luck
and have to turn over most of our offensive roster, piece of cake.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
Luck
Why would we have to turn over our offensive roster when we win the luck sweepstakes?
He can function under center unlike the QB’s currently on the roster. Fitz is terrible center and based on his last few games, I believe the patriots and the jets gave the rest of the league the blueprint to stop him and his stats will fall off significantly this year making us win the Luck sweepstakes.
Girls use hair spray, Men don't.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!
Don't be a Paully!
by The Buffalo Kid on Jul 27, 2011 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
should say
Fitz is terrible center
Fitz is terrible under center
Girls use hair spray, Men don't.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!
Don't be a Paully!
by The Buffalo Kid on Jul 27, 2011 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m with you that, like the Bledsoe thing, teams will have a ton of info on Fitzmagic and his play should likely decline in 2011. Never question how awesome a person he is, but i’m always going to question why he’s viewed by the fanbase as such a great option as starting QB.
Okay he threw for 3k and 23 TDs. That’s pretty pedestrian in today’s NFL.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Actually yes, still pedestrian. He had a good month. A great month. Then the rest of the season happened.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Okay, so I did some math (disclaimer: i’m a writer)…
Over 16 games, Fitz’s numbers would have looked like this:
Over 16 games: 3693 yards and 28 TDs
That would have put him between Orton and Ryan (so 10th) in terms of yards, or between Ryan and Cassel (so 7th) in terms of TDs. Not too bad, I guess.
I suppose until there’s reason not to do so, we can compare Ryan to Ryan.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
The decent statistical production by Fitz hasn’t been seen for a long time in buffalo, so obviously it makes sense why we as a fanbase have gotten behind him.
by Xaviermw on Jul 27, 2011 11:19 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It’s misguided, by my view. That’s all. The only stat I care about concerns Ws. It’s why I liked Flutie so much.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
how many did he win? how many was he playing from behind?
stats are not everything. thigpen had good stats at KC and he won only 1 game he started.
I had a drink the other day
Opinions were like kittens
I was giving them away
-Modest Mouse
by oompaloompa on Jul 27, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s pretty much what I was getting at, though I didn’t convey it adequately enough.
It’s just like Matt Schaub. Ever since fantasy fiesta took hold, people love these players purely because of statistical success. Guys like Brady get labeled “done” by many simply because they’re not the end-all stat machine for a team.
Last I knew, Matt Schaub stunk at winning games while Tom Brady doesn’t.
Ryan Fitzpatrick stunk at winning games last year. He did not stink at keeping the team entertaining.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, Vince Young tends to be feast or famine, stats-wise, yet he’s (I believe) 31-17 as a starter.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
And 0-1 in the play-offs.
Year two is upon us.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jul 27, 2011 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
At least he made the playoffs.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice retort.
Year two is upon us.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jul 27, 2011 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions
and at one time Kelly was 1-2 in the playoffs. Just because he started one game in the playoffs in his young career doesn’t mean anything.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Jul 27, 2011 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Well if his play-off record means nothing then his regular season record also means nothing. Can’t have it both ways.
Year two is upon us.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jul 27, 2011 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
no, your trying to compare apples and oranges. Your saying after 1 playoff game that he stinks, where his regular season record says differently from a much larger sample size. Young quarterbacks and young teams have to learn how to win both, regular season and post season. It’s 2 different animals at the NFL level. Many people could have said the same thing about Kelly after forcing a pass into the endzone that was ill advised and it was picked by Mathews in the playoffs.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Jul 27, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Your saying after 1 playoff game that he stinks
Where did I say that?
The only thing I posted was his play-off record. TAT had Young’s regular season record in his post; I complemented that. Never said he stinks. In the past I have said that I do not want him on the Bills. You can look those up if you want. In none of those previous posts have I ever said he stinks.
Year two is upon us.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jul 27, 2011 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
ok, stinks was a little of a misread from your comment and i did miss your comment about nice retort. But my post was in response about your response about you can’t have it both ways. So i apologise about he misinterpretation, but like i said 1 playoff game is not a very good sample size, where 48 regular season games is.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Jul 27, 2011 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
not so
We utilized those options well last year and we have dynamic RBs that can catch and fly. When needed, we have RBs that can pound the LOS and WRs that can block downfield.
CC Infantino
not happy one bit....
He was putrid last year playing against us…. trent edwards bad!
Very, very depresseing start to post-strike 2011…..
first, sayin’ our O-line is better than media and fans think…
then sayin’ building thru the draft only….
then an umimpressive postdraft college undrafted FA class……
now thigpen…
sigh!
gobills!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
Tyler Thigpen did not take a single snap against the Buffalo Bills last year.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jul 27, 2011 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions
what???
Am I completely senile? I clearly remember watching him with interest because of the Gailey/bills/thigpen connection!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
You may have watched him start against the Bears on a Thursday night game in which the Dolphins were shut out.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jul 27, 2011 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions
I really thought this as well. It was like a Monday night game against Chicago (I’m guessing) that we all watched.
He WAS bad in the game. But his circumstances were brutal — last minute elevation from third to starting QB, banged up o-line with a third string center, really none of those guys had practiced together. Pressure was SEVERE the whole game (lots o sacks). So I’d rather look at his body of work including the Chiefs, not throw the bay out with the bathwater by juding him on this disastrous last minute start.
by greysquirrel on Jul 27, 2011 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
thanks....
brian and grey squirrel….
I feel like a dope, posting such a bad mistake…..you guys took the edge off for me…..
I’ll give thigpen a chance, but still…..I am really bumming with this postdraft start….
PodunkO - The great post ender!
At least Maybin will get a fair shake with poz gone.
by Buffalo Mo on Jul 27, 2011 9:26 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Ya
I hate it when OLBs get buried on the depth chart behind ILBs…wait…what?
by WhiskeySierra6 on Jul 27, 2011 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I just figured that as long as ridiculous statements were being made, I would play along.
by Buffalo Mo on Jul 27, 2011 10:21 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Maybin held out (missing mini-camps and part of training camp) as a rookie, where you gotta put your all into practice because you have no experience.
Once he showed up to practice, he sucked.
When he got his chance to play in a game (remember he was a 1st rd. pick) he sucked even worse than in practice.
Maybin has had his chances to get a fair share ever since he was drafted in the 1st rd.
He couldn’t even find a starting role on the worst run defense in the league. That tells you how bad the guy really is.
GO BILLS
Maybin
He is so bad he sucks at sucking!!!
A flute without holes, is not a flute. A donut without a hole, is a Danish.
Ty webb (Caddyshack)
by Goose22 on Jul 27, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Imagine if he goes off this year?!
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Funny
Rec’d
Baby steps are for babies. Step it up buffalo!
by buffalobacker on Jul 27, 2011 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
passing league
This is a passing league. We have an identity that worked well at times last year while we were developing young offensive talent. This is why teams are placing so much emphasis on safeties and CBs. We also showed our guards can pull and play smash-mouth when needed. I love the offensive identity we have and if Fitz goes down, Thigpen is well suited to step in and run the same plays. Chan knows what he’s doing, IMO.
CC Infantino
Spread
I’m fairly certain that’s where this team is headed in terms of an offensive identity. Fitzpatrick, Thigpen, Brown…the interest in Newton, even T. Jackson would have fit the profile to some degree. Personally, I don’t buy this vision of where pro offenses are headed (ie- emulating the college game), but it seems clear that Buffalo does. I think it’s a copout for masking a garbage offensive line in its root and will ultimately lead to an unreliable offense. I’d rather emulate the Jets, Steelers, Colts, Pats, etc than the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Jul 27, 2011 9:26 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Well, the Bills tend to play to the level of a college team. They might as well take on the identity of one.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah we should be a grind it out team like the pats or colts…,,,
What?
by Xaviermw on Jul 27, 2011 11:30 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The Pats and Colts have classic drop back passers who throw plenty to take advantage of the rules that make this a passing league. I agree that grinding out first downs is a thing of the past, but the dramatic spread offenses that require run-capable QBs that has taken over college football in recent seasons is something entirely different. Maybe it will work full time in the pros, but I’m betting it fails.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
Tom Brady is a classic drop-back passer playing a very unique type of game. He’s unlike any player i’ve seen in recent years. It may be the system, but that system is going to make him one of the greatest QBs since Montana and Johnny U. I always hate the arguments that a QB is good only because of the system they’re in. Well, if they’re better than everyone else, that system is awesome.
Peyton reminds me of the prototypical QB. But he really struggles in the playoffs. Honestly, when I watch him, I think back on Jim Kelly. He calls the shots and he tends to struggle on the biggest stages.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Brady hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire in the playoffs in a long time. in fact, he absolutely sucked since teh AFC title game in 2007.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
Well, i’m going to say that Brady’s numerous SB rings give him a pass on recent seasons.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
In the scheme of things
I just hate all the Manning sucks in the playoffs garbage from the Brady-backers when nobody talks about how atrocious Brady has been in the postseason since 07. Manning has his ring too; he’s the best I’ve ever seen and his team accomplishments have closed any hole in the argument in my opinion.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Jul 27, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
steelers, ravens, cinci
They all had a hard time defending this philosophy. We have the skill players that siut this style and I think we will put a scare into defenses. Our OL will hopefully be much improved this year with more experience. I bet we average 25 points a game. Now all we need is our defense to limit teams to under 25.
CC Infantino
by lostlasvegan on Jul 27, 2011 9:32 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d! My thoughts exactly while reading the last sentence of this article.
"Sit down and watch my Buffalo Bills destroy your Kingdome" - Abayarde
sorry
Not sure why I am having a hard time replying to comments lately. Anyway, that was a reply to lostlasvegan.
"Sit down and watch my Buffalo Bills destroy your Kingdome" - Abayarde
Your Bills are going to be a spread-’em-out, shotgun offense next year, friends.
I’M NOT YOUR FRIEND, BUDDY!
They can kill you, but the legalities of eating you are quite a bit dicier.
I’m not your pal, friend!
check out my music! http://prophetikmusic.net
Steve Tasker: A website called Buffalo Ramble has dubbed Kyle Johnson "Meatbasket."
Gus Johnson: WWWEOEWWWOOOOOOGGGHOOOWWWW. College Basketball, HA HA.
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yipi yapa llari llara yara bing bong my name is Dnkey Kong - abayarde
by the_prophet on Jul 27, 2011 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
This might be the greatest exchange I’ve ever seen on this site, bros!
by bluecollarbuffalo on Jul 27, 2011 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ll pass that along to Buddy.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jul 27, 2011 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
The Dude abides.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Solid Backup
Solid backup, though I still feel some concern over the ability of the Bills to draw free agents of a starting caliber. I mean, losing Poz was about more than just money. And Thigpen came here probably because he had his most success with our head coach (even if that success wasn’t terribly successful). While I’m not terribly upset about Poz going, I do really believe we need to find a starting-caliber ILB now, and if we lose Florence, a CB as well.
Plus, can we sign an OT? Please? I’m sick of Nix (who I like) saying they believe the OTs are better than media/fans… uh, fans and the media aren’t blind. We see all those guys running by our OTs, thank you.
The spread has been in the NFL for a while now guys...
NE and NO are 2 of the most successful offenses in the NFL right now, and both use mainly “spread” philosophies in their passing games.
NE is even 1 step ahead of the curve by using 2 TE’s in their formations, so they can keep the same personnel in the game and line up in a run heavy formation or split both TE’s out wide in a 4-WR look. All the while the defense has to keep it’s base def on the field, or go to nickel and get the ball run down their throats.
by jonramz on Jul 27, 2011 10:28 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Very good points!
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
great to see some sense
when it comes to discussing this issue.
why do people make everything into either/or?
is it 3-4 or 4-3? it is usually both, actually.
it is spread or under center? usually both, actually.
do teams have tendencies? of course. do those
tendencies change with personnel, injuries, opponents,
of course…
just because the bills acquired this guy does not mean
the bills have been reduced to a spread offense.
gailey deserves more credit than that.
and, last time i checked, whatever the concept of offense
or defense, it takes great talent, teamwork and coaching to
make it work, no matter its strategic essence…
i say, if the bills become a spread intensive offense in 2011,
it will be because it works.
if it does not work, they will develop something else.
just like the defense last yr…..
The only thing different to this point
Is we are missing a solid MLB. Thigpen was part of the plan whether it was Plan A or Plan B. Jackson would of been a back up as well.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
And we still have no SS
And while were at it we don’t have a TE either or whatabout another ILB or maybe the RT position and if we lose florence better add CB to the list.
You know what lets just play the rooks, we’ll sign 25 UDFA’s, let the best man win. might aswell, if were not going to overpay proven talent, let’s overpay unproven talent.
"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 Jul 27, 2011 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Most teams don’t utilize a traditional ss any ways. A guy who can do it once and a while is fine. Gailey likes scott chandler and can make a very effective offense without one. Te isn’t a major need. The fo likes our ot. They think p years is fine but I hope not. I hope they sign someone their. Just realize it’s the second day of free agency. Most teams haven’t made many signings. So if you can please keep the freak outs to a minimum for a couple of days.
"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 Jul 27, 2011 10:54 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
keep dreaming
The only thing different to this point Is we are missing a solid MLB.
We could use a solid RT, may need an upgrade at LT depending on Bell’s progression, need a pass catching TE. A SS with Whitner on his way out, could also use a proven OLB if Merrimen’s knees are shot as well as a CB. And that is if you think Fitz is the long term answer at QB.
Girls use hair spray, Men don't.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!
Don't be a Paully!
by The Buffalo Kid on Jul 27, 2011 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
None of that is different than it was before Poz left.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
Now we have even more holes to fill
We have always needed those position now we may need a starting calibre MLB and a replacement corner.
"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 Jul 27, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
This information just caused me to understand the Spiller move more.
He does appear to be the type of player well-suited to play in a spread offense.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 10:39 AM EDT reply actions
He does appear to be the type of player well-suited to play in a spread offense
so, in other words, a RB in the spread doesn’t have to pass block? :-)
Y'all- There's a "D" in rebuild, but no "O"- The gospel according to Buddy Nix 4:12
Well, if they utilize both Spiller and Jackson, there’s no reason to ask him to pass-block for Fitz. Jackson is aces doing it, and Spiller is supposed to be a dynamic dual threat. Let Jackson be the traditional back and have Spiller move around the field. I’m okay with that.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Ah, I was taking it purely from a Spiller standpoint. I agree Jackson is excellent at picking up the blitz. Though, Spiller needs to learn, in spite of his other talents. A #9 should be a more complete player. That’s why I didn’t understand the Spiller pick.
Y'all- There's a "D" in rebuild, but no "O"- The gospel according to Buddy Nix 4:12
Oh i’m right there about the pick needing to be a complete player. I’m willing to change my stance if they find a way to utilize him full-time, should it not come via one complete method.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Has no one brought up the Patriot-style intel signing?
Thigpen very well may be able to give the team insight to Sparano’s Dolphins.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 10:50 AM EDT reply actions
Solid pickup in the sense we have a guy who plays like our start, knows the offense, and knows he is a backup
Not a bad play by the Bills to do so, I think this will be an underrated pickup until Fitz gets hurt and Thigpen gets in the game and we see no drop off in production. Also, he is WAY better than Brian Brohm.
abayarde- "All off the pain will vanish The Whagonblaster will return and with a new MOTOR and attitude even BIGGER AND stronger THE EYE of the Tiger , will knock our enemies to the next Galaxy , WE the BUffalo Nation DO not know defeat , We do not know Surrender , We only know that if we fall we get up stronger , faster, better WE have the Technology to BUILD IT"
Can live with Thigpen
It makes a lot of sense from a familiarity standpoint. As a homer, I would have liked seeing Gradkowski in a Bills uni. He reminds me a lot of Fitz. Gutsy gunslinger kind of kid. As far as the spread, I myself am more of a smash mouth offense kind of guy, but I think we all knew this was coming when Gailey was hired. And most of the moves to this point have verified that. I do worry though that it is masking the deficincies on the O-line, and when it is late in the game with the lead and trying to put an opponent away, that’s when you need to run it down their throats to seal the deal. Blowing the lead in the 3rd & the 4th has been the curse of the Bills the last few years (maybe longer), and I worry that this does not help fix that.
Thigpen signing is a signal to me that the regime thinks we are in for another losing year. Signal that they still think the Oline is a work in progress.
Still rebuilding. Both Fitz and Thigpen are training wheel/stop gaps until we get a real QB.
I had a drink the other day
Opinions were like kittens
I was giving them away
-Modest Mouse
I think you are wrong, oomp. As I read it, Fitz is not a training wheel this year but rather a try-out. If he can throw less INT’s he could nail down the QB for a number of years to come. He is very smart and Gailey really likes him. It will all depend on how he performs. If he keeps throwing the ball away in clutch situations then, yes, he will become no more than a temporary solution, but that depends on what he does on the field.
But there is always the Brett Favre argument. He made a living out of breaking fans’ hearts as much as he did all-time records.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I want to be optimistic about our QB situation, but I just can’t bring myself there. I like Fitz and the excitement he brought, but I’m not settling for this guy, which is what I think I’d be doing to get behind this present QB situation.
I agree there is a tryout aspect to the year for Fitz, but that doesn’t rule out he may also be seen as a fill-in until we draft The Man.
There has to be flexibility in the overall plan, and to rule out Fitz as the long term answer now when there isn’t much choice except to move forward with him would be a mistake by the FO. I think Nix and Co. have been right to bypass QB’s with our early picks the last couple years – I would have been PO’ed if we picked one of the QBs too high this year just to pick a QB. That leaves us with the status quo.
This is Fitz’ last opportunity, and good for him that circumstances have given him this. If Fitz does seize this opportunity and work out, we can eliminate QB as a position of need going forward. GREAT for the Bills! there’s another position we don’t need to worry about.
As much as I agree Chan likes Fitz, I don’t think its going to stop him from wanting a blue chip talent at QB if he doesn’t think Fitz (or Thigpen or Levi) is going to get us into the competitive echelons of the league.
I don’t think Fitz has the chops to get the Bills there.
I will be happy to be proven otherwise.
I had a drink the other day
Opinions were like kittens
I was giving them away
-Modest Mouse
What is wrong with you people? We haven’t had a good QB since Bledsoe and FINALLY the offense is fun to watch. Fitz needs to be a little more accurate, give him a good line and you got yourself a QB for a long time. Sure, he could throw less picks, but he keeps us in games and is unafraid to take a shot down field. I’d rather keep things interesting than Trent Edwards part 2.
by sevenwords on Jul 27, 2011 10:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Compromised standards.
Its fun to watch, but there’s nothing to watch in January. And that’s what matters.
Believe me, I want to be wrong with my cynicism.
I had a drink the other day
Opinions were like kittens
I was giving them away
-Modest Mouse
by oompaloompa on Jul 27, 2011 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions
On reconsideration…
You might be right…
But it might also be said this is a tryout of the offensive system we are capable of playing with the personnel we have going into this year – this hybrid spread that Fitz and Thigpen can be plugged into.
I had a drink the other day
Opinions were like kittens
I was giving them away
-Modest Mouse
Chan Loves the Pistol
I was saying all last year that the Pistol is Gailey’s favorite offensive formation at the moment, but I kept getting a lot of grief on that claim with people saying the Bills only used it now and then. My eyes told me otherwise. Now Brian confirms that it was used a lot — and will probably be used even more in the future.
Gailey has moved during his career from one offensive style to another — he used to be a guy who emphasized a smash-mouth running game — but the Pistol is where he is right now and the personnel the Bills are bringing in are all designed to maximize the success of that offense. As we think about what the Bills are doing and should do, we need to keep this in mind.
They used it a lot in the first few games, and it was scarcely used after that IIRC. He tried it out, it didn’t work, and we moved on, which connects with your broader point.
They can kill you, but the legalities of eating you are quite a bit dicier.
First few games of the season, or first few with Fitz? If the season, then it’s no wonder Edwards failed. Well, it’s no wonder regardless.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jul 27, 2011 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
This is accurate. It became an alignment within the framework of his spread offense, rather than the offense itself.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jul 27, 2011 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of Bills being brought in – Nevada mostly runs the Pistol, so Vai Taua has experience in that offense as well…
Keep your eye on Taua
He’s a big bruiser (220 lbs +) and plays with a lot of heart. He could well be the big surprise in the UDFA’s this year, along with the TE Pinalto and possibly LB Brian Duncan.
Thig and Gailey is a great combination for creative offense
Fitz is no 1, but I expect Thig to run some series with special formations
He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is
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