Brad Smith, Josh Nesbitt Key Wildcat In Buffalo

In the next preseason game. That will make the competition for back up QB really interesting. He’ll probably go PS, though, won’t he?

One on hand, I don’t like the wildcat. I am a stickler for the traditional offensive packages that don’t rely on catching the defense off guard and the decision making of our 3rd string quarterback. I would like to be able to beat opposing teams with traditional football talent.

On the other hand, I also want to be able to move the chains and put points on the board. And if this is what Gailey believes will help us do that more consistently, then I am on board…although barely.

I say “argh” to being a Bills fan!

If the Pats were doing this everyone would call them geniuses. I like that we are taking this to the next level and trying to innovate a little bit. Lead don’t follow.

I used to be one of the biggest naysayers of the Wildcat offense. To me it was a stupid gimmicky, high school-esque formation that had no place in the professional game. My opinion has changed over the course of the last few seasons. I think, used sparingly (and I do mean sparingly), it can be a valuable tool in certain situations. I don’t mind this development for the Bills offense one bit. I think it will keep them on the field and moving the ball where drives in previous seasons would have been stalled. Especially this season, because I fear that our offensive line is going to be downright horrific. We’ll need some “gimmicks” to overcome that.

I like the Wildcat, if it works I like anything, but I would like to see them pass out of it more than other teams that have used it. Seems if there is a greater legitimate passing threat out of the Wildcat, the run option would be better as well.

were more productive than 2&3.

Of course oline depth played a factor.

Wow, sounds like my married life. When the dolphins introduced it a few years back it was a very successful tool for them. It IMO shadowed all their offensive weaknesses which are apparent today. This doesn’t excite me one bit running a wildcat, I am an old fashion guy that loves the game as it was designed to be played, One QB, two RB’s 3 WR’s, no gimmicks, line up and let the chips fall. The strong will survive. This definately changes my Chan Gailey Vote to not sure for even longer.

Stash him there and let him work on the throwing aspect of his game.

I’m not a huge fan of the Wildcat and have wondered why teams don’t drill the QB if he lines up out wide. If Fitz comes off the field, it is a bit more useful for this offense as another WR can be on the field for the threat of pass. I don’t think Brad Smith is a good enough passer to throw that often, but his running ability out of the formation is legit. He’s going to add a big play element that our run game sorely needs.

Second best player I have watched go through GaTech. Tough as nails and is not afraid to take a hit. Also can through the ball when given time and a good jump ball receiver. Definatley will make a great practice squad stash.

Go Bills & Jackets

Miami abandoned it in large part because the gimmick of threatening to throw wasn’t as dangerous as actually having a (suspect at best) QB throw the ball.

I believe it’s important for this team to learn to be better, to be more dominant than their competition. I don’t believe it’s best to try and out-trick them.

First cut Levi Brown, second give Nesbitt more reps throwing and/or running the ball and third list Brad Smith as a wide reciever. If they have Nesbitt on the PS then other teams might like what they see in the wildcat with him and take him. I like Nesbitt, I liked him in college so I dont want to see that happen.

Having both of these packages viable should help the Bills, especially once the weather turns and the spread is made less effective. We know from watching the Pats nearly undefeated run in 2007 that the spread alone will not see you through the winter and playoffs, unless you’re in domes. Having the wildcat personnel to offset this may pay dividends later in the season. I still worry about the lack of a power running game. Nothing looks sillier than lining your back up 5 yards or so behind the line of scrimmage on 3rd & inches.

I would like to see Smith throw more though. Nesbitt can run with the best of them but I don’t know if he can throw. I think they will get more passing reps as the pre-season goes on.

We are still trying out different players and packages in different situations. Call it what you will, wildcat or otherwise, but with Brad Smith behind center, you are going to get an option-style mix of run and pass. Bottom line is he’s a football player – a guy who can catch the ball, throw the ball, run the ball, make plays and move the chains. Exactly how we plan to use him when it counts still remains to be seen. But I think he will be a huge assett to the offensive and will draw attention from opposing defenses in their gameplanning.

but that the threat of run still exists. i think that Chan agrees with John Gruden that running a spread style offense will allow less of a learning curve for young players, as most of them already run spread in college (gruden has commented multiple times that if he got a chance to come back, this is what he would do). I think it is pretty smart to recognize that if the players transition is less extensive, their opportunity for some level of immediate success increases; and additionally, the pool of potential players increases dramatically.

We won’t see half of what Gailey will have Smith running during the season or the formations or the personnel in those packages. Smith will run, throw and catch. Don’t be surprised to see him start under center, motion out to WR or back to RB and Fred or CJ take over the “QB” spot, etc. Smith allows for a lot of formation and personnel shifts.

It’s entirely possible that when OBD drafted to secure their defense that they understood it would necessarily limit their ability to get a “franchise” QB and O-line. And, in keeping with their interest in managing expectations, having a valid Wildcat strategy to combat their lack of a “franchise” QB or high-end O-line was and is important to keep defenses honest until the players became proven or were replaced. (That’s not to say the players we now have won’t be long time or franchise players, but that they are still unproven). That said, it also seems like Gailey is developing the identity of the Bills office to suit his own notion of what modern NFL offenses need to evolve into given the types of offenses and player skills now being developed in college. If so, this may not be a temporary aberration, and the Bills will be on the cusp of the wave with Fitz being a prototypical new style QB.

It takes the starting QB out of the game. Gimmicky. Cheap.

This “scheme” is old hat now. Bellychunk and Rex will destroy it.
What are we going to roll out now?

The ol’ Fumbleruski?
The confused player looking to the sideline for a signal from his coach?
The pretend spike?
The statue of liberty? Really?

Why in the hell did we run it during preseason to allow the other teams to prepare for it?
WTF?! Surprise makes this works.

I really hope I eat crow for this comment. I hope it produces a few TDs this year and multiple 1st downs.
I just don’t like it.

YOU KIDS GIT OFFA MY LAWWN!

His jersey number got changed from 7 to 47, so Nesbitt is now a safety.