Chan Gailey, Bills To Practice Arthur Moats At ILB

by Brian Galliford on Jul 29, 2011 7:50 PM EDT in Buffalo Bills Training Camp

A year ago, after the Buffalo Bills made James Madison defensive end Arthur Moats a sixth-round pick, they moved him to inside linebacker during training camp. Moats looked horrific during the pre-season, was moved back to outside linebacker during the regular season, and by year's end was clearly the team's most promising pass rusher.

Flash forward to this afternoon at St. John Fisher college. Mark Ludwiczak of CBSSports.com confirms that Chan Gailey and Buffalo's coaching staff are set to move Moats back to inside linebacker.

This is one that I can't really wrap my mind around, folks. Perhaps the team is filling the pinch at inside linebacker, where they are admittedly woefully thin from a numbers standpoint at the moment. From that angle, I suppose it makes sense that they're using Moats as an extra body at the position until they can find more reinforcements.

Here's the thing, though: there are a bunch of other young linebackers they can use in that capacity, and unless the Bills are willing to put all of their eggs in Shawne Merriman's basket - apparently, they are - Moats is going to be a highly important player to this team as a pass rusher. He needs every snap he can get outside. From that far more important angle, I don't get this decision - even if it's short-lived.

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Perhaps the team is filling the pinch at inside linebacker, where they are admittedly woefully thin from a numbers standpoint at the moment.

hopefully Batten/White can prove effective, allowing him to move back to LOLB, and keep Merriman at ROLB and Shepp inside (obviously)

by ThaRealTruth on Jul 29, 2011 7:51 PM EDT reply actions

they want Batten at OLB

Remember that Batten was picked ahead of Moats last year and the coaches were very charitable with their comments about his early training camp progress. He and Nelson were looking like the quickest learners at the time of Batten’s shoulder injury. Don’t be surprised to see Batten on the field this year. They will sign another ILB in the next few days.

by WhatGoesAround on Jul 29, 2011 8:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

lolb?

that would be cool. i admit ignorance on batten, in that i only know he was injured very early last year.

by ThaRealTruth on Jul 29, 2011 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Not ignorance

There’s just no body of work to use to judge him. Some praise from early training camp is nice and all, but he’s basically coming in as a Rookie that happens to have already had playbook access. Admittedly, I’m high on him, but really only the promise of Batten, and because really there’s no one else!

by buffaloparks on Jul 29, 2011 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions

This is stupid – they moved Batten to ILB last year, why the heck don’t they put him back there and leave Moats where he already excelled.

Perception is reality; but if your perception is off, you live in your own reality. -- perkispower

by thefourwinds on Jul 29, 2011 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions

They never moved Batten to ILB. They moved Moats to ILB. Due to injuries and lack of a pass rush combined with Moats horrendous ILB play during the preseason Moats was put back to OLB, where I believe he should stay. Whether or not her plays ahead of, or behind, Batten is a seperate issue.

by WhatGoesAround on Jul 29, 2011 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Dont worry though

http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2011/07/29/torbor-will-be-pozs-replacement/
torbors got it. Hahahah….joke

by m_young28 on Jul 29, 2011 7:52 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs

Merriman – Davis – Torbor – Kelsay????

Better hope that Dareus and Meatball don’t let anything get to the second level.

by Munchausen on Jul 29, 2011 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions

jshessh.

by dgrid on Jul 29, 2011 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I was just saying on another thread I’d rather see Kelsay at ILB than move Moats. For goodness sake, leave Moats where he’s already excelled!

Perception is reality; but if your perception is off, you live in your own reality. -- perkispower

by thefourwinds on Jul 29, 2011 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions

man

we need to sign Shepp soon, then he will be able to impress everyone in practices and in pre-season, and he will be our starter

by Fernando brazil on Jul 29, 2011 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions

really?

ive never seen the guy play but you think he can pick up the defense quick enough and really be a playmaker?

by m_young28 on Jul 29, 2011 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions

some of us watched tape

and the fact he plays in the SEC against the stiffest college competition, in front of crowds larger than NFL, and in a 3-4 system certainly means he has a chance to.

by ThaRealTruth on Jul 29, 2011 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope this means success…

by crooked5 on Jul 30, 2011 4:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Woo Pig Sooie! Patrick Peterson was the best player on that defense, but Shephard was the leader. I’m glad he’s out of Baton Rouge so my Hogs can tbag those dirty Tigers again!

GET TO THE CHOPPA!!!

by hoosier3 on Jul 30, 2011 8:17 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

this

by Fernando brazil on Jul 30, 2011 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions

I don’t get it….

When you innovate, you've got to be prepared for everyone telling you you're nuts.

by J2 on Jul 29, 2011 7:53 PM EDT reply actions

has to be best players on the field: Merriman – Moats – Someone – Kelsay

When you innovate, you've got to be prepared for everyone telling you you're nuts.

by J2 on Jul 29, 2011 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions

But if they are out of position, it wouldn't matter anyhow....

Moats was terrible as an ILB last summer.

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Jul 29, 2011 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions

lol – i’m guessing here K

When you innovate, you've got to be prepared for everyone telling you you're nuts.

by J2 on Jul 29, 2011 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions

That's all anybody can do with this, right?

It makes absolutely no sense. The one player on the team that actually showed potential as a pass rusher is being taken out of that role. This team never ceases to amaze and befuddle me.

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Jul 29, 2011 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

agreed

it seems like merriman is more of a question than moats is.

by ThaRealTruth on Jul 29, 2011 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Totally agree K. If we’re going to move people around, put Kelsay back there and leave Moats alone.

Perception is reality; but if your perception is off, you live in your own reality. -- perkispower

by thefourwinds on Jul 29, 2011 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm starting to think this has been their plan for awhile

it still doesn’t make much sense to me though.

Could this explain there continued interest in pass rushers even though we had a crowd at OLB already?

Is this some kind of Wanstandt tweak or ….?? Sigh* my head hurts now lol.

by lonestar_ak on Jul 29, 2011 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions

What pass rushers are they interested in?

They need to be interested in any potential pass rusher, because this team is very, very thin at the position to say the least. I’m not comfortable with any player on this team being an effective pass rusher, and Moats was the closest to being a good pass rusher on the team.

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Jul 29, 2011 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions

unless merrimans MMA training and procedure on his achilles makes him come back from, uh.... well, steroids.

by ThaRealTruth on Jul 29, 2011 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions

The reported interest in Babin and the Merriman extension is what I was thinking of.

And the links to the OLB prospects in the draft.

I guess the numbers approach would work too to try and find a gem, but I thought they had already done that when they found Moats.

It’ll be interesting to see who’s where once the league year actually starts and the new vets can actually practice.

by lonestar_ak on Jul 29, 2011 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions

please sub ANYONE for kelsay at a LB position

happy to have him as a locker room guy, nickel de, special teamer…. but he is NOT an OLB

by ThaRealTruth on Jul 29, 2011 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Kelsay...

Right now Kelsay is the only real lock to start at LB for the Bills this year. Inside it could be any of Davis, Torbor, Shep, White, and apparently Moats. Outside, Merriman is a huge question mark (due to injury history).

by buffaloparks on Jul 29, 2011 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions

*weeps gently in the corner

say it aint so! hahaa

by ThaRealTruth on Jul 29, 2011 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions

OK, it ain't so!

by buffaloparks on Jul 29, 2011 8:59 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

phew

i prefer Kelsay in his best role. Side line cheerleader.

by ThaRealTruth on Jul 29, 2011 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Not sure he has the legs for the skirt though….

by bizarro bills on Jul 30, 2011 8:05 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

My Guess

Keeping the seat warm til Shep shows up.

by go_wild on Jul 29, 2011 7:54 PM EDT reply actions

I try to stay positive...

But Moats at ILB made little sense to me last year, and even less now. If they need a camp body at ILB there are plenty of dudes out there available. Way to stunt a guys growth too, Chan. Of course I read this right after seeing that Burnett is all but signed in Miami. I don’t even care about Burnett all that much, but this is like an extra punch in the stomach.

by buffaloparks on Jul 29, 2011 7:54 PM EDT reply actions

Noooooooo

Here comes some more promoting from within rather than getting outside talent… maybe im reaching but is this a sign Burnett is a no go?

by ByrdMan31 on Jul 29, 2011 7:54 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Burnett signed with Miami

"If You Ain't a Bill I Don't Give a Fxck Bout Ya!! Most Disrespected Team in NFL! I Always feel Disrespected! I'm All In!" -- Steve Johnson

by go_buff on Jul 29, 2011 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions

he signed w miami, didn't he?

i only read that on another post but i believe he is why crowder is avail

by ThaRealTruth on Jul 29, 2011 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Or anygood significant inside backer for that matter

by ByrdMan31 on Jul 29, 2011 7:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Burnett has already signed with Miami

After Buddy told him we would get back to him over the weekend

by go_wild on Jul 29, 2011 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions

What's up with these ppl. I am sure if Buddy was Billy B. K.B. would have waited.

by go_wild on Jul 29, 2011 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Lets sign nick barnett. Lose all my faith with this right now.

"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 29, 2011 7:56 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Barnett

Supposedly close to heading to Detroit. Can’t imagine he joins this roster at this point in his career.

by Joe.Bills on Jul 29, 2011 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Give him huge money. Would be worth not.stunting moats.

"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 29, 2011 7:59 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Maybe

Chan wants to get pass-rushing from the inside as well as the outside.

Nothing wrong with that, is there?

"If You Ain't a Bill I Don't Give a Fxck Bout Ya!! Most Disrespected Team in NFL! I Always feel Disrespected! I'm All In!" -- Steve Johnson

by go_buff on Jul 29, 2011 7:57 PM EDT reply actions

it has to be – that’s the only thing I can think of – Merriman and Moats. They better be right about Merriman

When you innovate, you've got to be prepared for everyone telling you you're nuts.

by J2 on Jul 29, 2011 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions

They might want to get some on the outside first

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Jul 29, 2011 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions

“They might want to get some on the outside first”

Well, here’s hoping Dareus helps in that regard . . .

"If You Ain't a Bill I Don't Give a Fxck Bout Ya!! Most Disrespected Team in NFL! I Always feel Disrespected! I'm All In!" -- Steve Johnson

by go_buff on Jul 29, 2011 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions

not really a 5 techniques role

any word on where he is lining up? NFL network claimed 3 technique… which i don’t understand. i far prefer he is matched up against an RT than a LT… based on last year… all his highlight plays seemed to come from the left side.

by ThaRealTruth on Jul 29, 2011 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions

we suck we cant sign anybody not even our own players

by zoomer on Jul 29, 2011 7:59 PM EDT reply actions

that’s the spirit

by Munchausen on Jul 29, 2011 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybin+Merriman+Moats = Too much talent at Jack OLB

by go_wild on Jul 29, 2011 8:01 PM EDT reply actions

Haha, was that serious?!?!

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Jul 29, 2011 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions

couldn't be

must be a comedian up in here.

by ThaRealTruth on Jul 29, 2011 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybe Buddy working on trading one of these guys for a stud RT

by go_wild on Jul 29, 2011 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Ok

Definitely not serious then.

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Jul 29, 2011 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Chan is either crazy or brilliant

and I know which one I think is more likely

by Hopefulcynic on Jul 29, 2011 8:04 PM EDT reply actions

Based on your username, I can tell which one you think is more likely. Are you hopeful and think he’s brilliant, or a cynic and think he’s crazy. The mysteries of the world.

by bluecollarbuffalo on Jul 30, 2011 7:57 AM EDT up reply actions

I feel like the duck in the Aflac commercial

the one where he’s walking out of the barber shopping just shaking his head.

I have no clue why they would do this either. Bizzaro off-season translates into bizzaro camp I guess.

by lonestar_ak on Jul 29, 2011 8:05 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

must be one of the

contingency plans for post poz.

Just a failure to retain your own quality players period.

& Arthurs better on the outside isnt he??

by Blood, sweat & Win on Jul 29, 2011 8:05 PM EDT reply actions

If all this is from that one tweet that I saw we may be looking too deep into this. I didn’t get the impression it was a permanent move, seems like Nix was asked if Moats was indeed at the inside and he confirmed. Nothing about that tweet says this is the long term plan for the position.

Harooo

by Robot Nixon on Jul 29, 2011 8:08 PM EDT reply actions

let's hope it is just

until Shep gets signed and reports to training camp.

by Billsdownunder on Jul 29, 2011 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions

versatility

Chan likes players to know more then one spot. I think that goes beyond covering for injuries but to knowing what the rest of the team is going to do and why. Keeps everyone on the same page and I’d imagine it allows them to play more instinctively.

Harooo

by Robot Nixon on Jul 29, 2011 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Finally, a voice of rationality and calm

If all this is from that one tweet that I saw we may be looking too deep into this. I didn’t get the impression it was a permanent move, seems like Nix was asked if Moats was indeed at the inside and he confirmed. Nothing about that tweet says this is the long term plan for the position.

Exactly. Good gracious, the first night session isn’t til tomorrow . . .

"If You Ain't a Bill I Don't Give a Fxck Bout Ya!! Most Disrespected Team in NFL! I Always feel Disrespected! I'm All In!" -- Steve Johnson

by go_buff on Jul 29, 2011 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions

But why start camp with him there unless it was a more permanent attempt?

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Jul 29, 2011 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions

because we don't have anyone else?

Shepp not signed, poz gone, Davis only 1 body…. gotta put someone there; better someone who has been in the system to help those who havent been?

by ThaRealTruth on Jul 29, 2011 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions

again

i don’t really know what the full lineup was/is/will be, any more than anyone else.

by ThaRealTruth on Jul 29, 2011 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Same way if you played basketball in high school you had to know all 5 positions on the floor.

And generally had two for yourself. I practiced as a 4 but I was a 1 or 2 guard the rest of the time. Just a habit of getting new looks in practice, knowing what your teammates are doing, and keeping yourself versatile.

My beingadick-butnotbeinganannoyingdick skills, they're impressive.
-TCWIR paraphrased

by BD34 on Jul 30, 2011 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions

Dont get it.

Just keep Moats at OLB. he was making steady progress there last yr. if he continues that progress, he’ll be our pass-rusher of the future.
Dont mess w/ his momentum.

by dgrid on Jul 29, 2011 8:12 PM EDT reply actions

I've defended everything to this point...

But, this? Ugh.

Now attending the Univ. of Hockey.

by bflo on Jul 29, 2011 8:24 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Yah I’m like please be lieing. I just gave up on everyone top all the way down to the equipment guy.

"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 29, 2011 8:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

There desperate

OBD is desperate. Lost Poz and unable to bring a single credible FA here.

by Coach Bob on Jul 30, 2011 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions

judgement coming

I have no idea if Moats can play this position, but I do know he looked like a joke there in the preseason last year and he looked like a prospect on the outside in the second half of last season. This team continues to walk their own path, which is fine, but if things don’t work out, I want Nix and Gailey at the stake. They are blazing their own trail and if that trail is leading up this season- all the credit in the world. If it;s another disaster? I want at least Nix’s head. Whatever plan they have is completely a secret at this point because nothing they do is the tried and true.

"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix

by Port Royal on Jul 29, 2011 8:27 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Agreed...im not impressed with Buddy...

At least do something…

by Dingus Day on Jul 29, 2011 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions

It’s not his job to build the team with the guys the fans want. Which all seem to be at or around the age of 30 as far as I can see. It’s his job to build the team with the best football players he can find preferably through the draft. His criteria seem to be high character high motor guys who will put the team above the individual. We have a growing core of young players who are going to grow together as a team and those who earn it will be handsomely rewarded at the end of their rookie contracts. He is building for the long term future and like it or not he has a plan and the fans and the media are not going to divert that plan.

Harooo

by Robot Nixon on Jul 29, 2011 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs

had to rec that!!!!

excellent post…. Chix ain’t selling the future, for some illusion of security or for “today”…

Went to my first "BB" meeting today... When I stood, introduced myself, and admitted I was a Billsaholic, the other members threw beer cans at me!!

by Cinga on Jul 29, 2011 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions

What

There moving Moats because they’re short at ILB because of their lousy performance in free agency. It has nothing to do with vision, period.

by Coach Bob on Jul 30, 2011 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions

it may just have everything to do with vision. they still might believe moats’ athletic skill set is better suited on the inside for the long term. that vision may be wrong, but they certainly got one.

by boomsauce on Jul 30, 2011 2:33 AM EDT up reply actions

If this move actually means something (it might not be anything more than there aren’t enough guys here yet), they drafted him to play ILB and he will get a shot there. They aren’t going to release him over poor ILB play and they aren’t going to let him sit there playing badly all year (if he plays badly). Let the kid get some reps inside with Wannestadt as his coach before we crucify anyone ever involved with the Bills front office.

by crooked5 on Jul 30, 2011 4:57 AM EDT up reply actions

maybe this is to evaluate others at OLB?

they pretty much know what they have in Moats, maybe they want to get 1st team reps for Merriman, Batten, Coleman? Moats at ILB for now would at least have him getting reps w/ 1st team.
trying to rationalize here…

by dgrid on Jul 29, 2011 8:31 PM EDT reply actions

relax folks... from BBMB...

"We’ll give him some work in there and see how he’s doing," Nix said. "If we were to move him, it’d probably be to move him permanently to the outside."

I’m no psychic, though some think I’m psycho, Moats is gonna play around at ILB again, making me believe the team is trying to get their best players on the field together at the same time… But in that statement too, I think they know his best place is prolly at OLB, and that is certainly where his future is, but they still feel he could do well at ILB in the meantime…..

relax….

Went to my first "BB" meeting today... When I stood, introduced myself, and admitted I was a Billsaholic, the other members threw beer cans at me!!

by Cinga on Jul 29, 2011 8:32 PM EDT reply actions

Problem solved

Ok and maybe we can just ignore the fact we lost our best LB and have done a crappy job in FA. Good luck Moats…youre going to need it, may want to cheat over to the side Kelsay is covering so you have a head start on RB breaking to outside…

by Dingus Day on Jul 29, 2011 8:37 PM EDT reply actions

100 %

You are 100% correct!!!!!!!!

by Coach Bob on Jul 30, 2011 1:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Cus Poz perfromed at an elite level chasing said RB down from behind.

Harooo

by Robot Nixon on Jul 30, 2011 2:58 AM EDT up reply actions

ok psycho

by dgrid on Jul 29, 2011 8:37 PM EDT reply actions

just kiddn, think you’re right

by dgrid on Jul 29, 2011 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions

wtf…?

Maximus Dareus Meridius -- Commander of the Buffalo Legion of the far East. Defensive End to a troubled unit. Rookie to a troubled team. And he will have his vengeance, in this season or the next.

by NordicBillsfan on Jul 29, 2011 8:38 PM EDT reply actions

Well, we're out of pandas to watch for...

So, now what do we do?!

"Any tool is a weapon if you hold it right." ~ Ani Difranco
Buddy's getting the tools, now it's up to Chan!

by killerokapi on Jul 29, 2011 8:51 PM EDT reply actions

Over analyze tweets from training camp, of course!

by maestro110584 on Jul 29, 2011 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions

DRINK!

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Jul 29, 2011 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

that's a bills fan specific solution

we wouldn’t survive the season otherwise. hahaha

by ThaRealTruth on Jul 29, 2011 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Cheers!

by buffaloparks on Jul 29, 2011 9:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I find it weird -- and a little hilarious

that the same people who are determined to move Wood to center, are having a freak out about Moats playing inside on the first day of camp . . .

"If You Ain't a Bill I Don't Give a Fxck Bout Ya!! Most Disrespected Team in NFL! I Always feel Disrespected! I'm All In!" -- Steve Johnson

by go_buff on Jul 29, 2011 8:57 PM EDT reply actions

we know wood is good at center and guard.
last year moats became solid at OLB. In the summer last year he was not good at ILB. Why put somebody in a position they wont be as good at. Center and guard are alot more similar than OLB and ILB.

by Xaviermw on Jul 29, 2011 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions

SOLID? We did watch the same games right? The kid was raw at OLB and did OKAY but I would hardly call him the future at the position. He played DE in college, of course he is going to be better at OLB off the bat. That doesn’t mean in the long run (you know, like when the rest of the team might be good) that he won’t be a better player at ILB.

I think it’s so ridiculous that the same fans who call Jasper the future at NT can be so mad about Bell playing LT as he learns and Moats moving inside. It’s not like he posted 15 sacks last year from OLB…

by crooked5 on Jul 30, 2011 5:02 AM EDT up reply actions

There's a difference

Wood played center for 4 years in college and was drafted as a center and moved to guard for the team. Moats on the other hand played and was drafted as a defensive end out of college and already had tried to play ilb (failed miserably at it). We then moved him to OLB where his pass rushing skills shined through and earned him playing time. Wood was always a center….Moats was never an ILB.

"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes

by panekattack on Jul 29, 2011 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Just because someone is good at something in college

doesn’t mean they’ll be good at that same thing in the NFL

"If You Ain't a Bill I Don't Give a Fxck Bout Ya!! Most Disrespected Team in NFL! I Always feel Disrespected! I'm All In!" -- Steve Johnson

by go_buff on Jul 29, 2011 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions

well, by that logic

no sense in watching college tape on anyone. fact is, you need some point of reference.

by ThaRealTruth on Jul 29, 2011 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions

but im pretty sure..

If someone is bad at something in college, they’d be bad at it in the pros

by bizarro bills on Jul 30, 2011 8:24 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

That is the most ridiculous counter point I've ever seen here on Rumblings

by that logic the NFL draft is deemed useless as well as the jobs of any scouts because no longer should they scout college players, it’s all just a gamble a guy could be good or bad nobody knows because just because they were good in college doesn’t mean they’ll be good in the pros.

Unless you can back that up with some compelling stats and examples it is just false. You don’t start as a center for a good Louisville football team for 4 YEARS mind you if you are not good as a center. Also I never once said Wood would even be a good center I just said that Wood is better suited at center, is familiar with the position, and has experience and success at the position. Moats on the other hand was a defensive end in college (wasn’t that good otherwise he’d have been a higher pick, but also wasn’t that bad because he does have the tools to succeed just needs some polish), ATTEMPTED to play ILB and did not do so well so the coaching staff moved him to OLB where he shined for a few games.

"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes

by panekattack on Jul 30, 2011 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions

I guess at this point we have to bet the pot on Shep.

He seems like a good leader.

"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.

by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Jul 29, 2011 9:16 PM EDT reply actions

guy better sign first

by dgrid on Jul 29, 2011 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions

wow...

when did training camp start again?? how long has he held out again?

I know… perspective sucks huh????

Went to my first "BB" meeting today... When I stood, introduced myself, and admitted I was a Billsaholic, the other members threw beer cans at me!!

by Cinga on Jul 29, 2011 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Shep is definitely a leader type.

But what about Batten? We’ve hardly seen anything from him and he was supposed to be good…

by TimEllis on Jul 30, 2011 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions

My Thoughts

They’re obviously sold on Merriman’s health so I take that as a positive most of all. I think Bills fans need something like that to get it going.

So you have a dearth in the middle. As Brian has said here they value versatility and believe in Moats as an athlete. Maybe they think he has some versatility that needs to be stoked.

My best effort on this.

Ryan FitZpatrick - The Inconvenient Truth.

by kgun201 on Jul 30, 2011 12:46 AM EDT reply actions

Typical

Let’s do a poor job in free agency and move people out of position. Typical OBD!

by Coach Bob on Jul 30, 2011 1:44 AM EDT reply actions

Moats....

I wonder if it is just a body shape thing…….there have been successful short ILBs in NFL in the past, I’m not so sure about OLBs…..He looks like an ILB to me…..
I think they used Moats primarily as a sic em edge rusher last year, maybe he has some shortcomings as a true OLB and don’t forget ILBs can blitz too.
And although he looked awful inside, I think he was totaly overwhelmed and choked. I’m sure he feels completely different now. I don’t think the move is crazy, we don’t know how the other young OLBs are looking.

gobills!

PodunkO - The great post ender!

by podunkowego on Jul 30, 2011 9:54 AM EDT reply actions

LEAVE HIM WHERE HE IS THE GUY REMINDS ME OF A HARRISON TYPE GUY SHORT BUT DIPS THAT SHOULDER AROUND THE EDGE WE NEED TO GET A VETRAN ILB LIKE BARNETT FROM THE PACKERS

by azores2387 on Jul 30, 2011 10:25 AM EDT reply actions