Buffalo Bills 53-Man Roster Projection: Take Three
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2011 12:01 PM EDT
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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PrintThis is the third iteration of a Buffalo Bills 53-man roster projection that I've put together this summer, and sadly, things have not changed an awful lot from week to week. It'd be rather nice if some Bills reserves made me think about changing these projections up in a more significant manner.
You can find the latest projection after the jump, along with a review of changes from last week. The Bills will need to cut down to 80 players by a week from tomorrow, on August 30. They currently employ 85 players.
I've only got two new players on this list from last week. After giving Chad Rinehart the proverbial axe in the first two projections, it is now painfully obvious that he'll be on the team, if not starting at left guard. He takes the place of Mansfield Wrotto - a player I'd given the nod over Rinehart because of the two-year deal he signed this past March. Wrotto has been awful this pre-season.
The other change made was swapping in Kellen Heard for Lionel Dotson as the seventh defensive lineman. I still believe the team will keep seven big guys up front thanks to the Alex Carrington experiment at outside linebacker, and after closely watching both pre-season games to date, both Heard and Dotson have looked good on occasion. Heard has been getting reps earlier, however, and is a bigger, equally mobile version of Dotson. He'd be a huge upgrade over last year's weekly inactive lineman, John McCargo.
| Pos. | # | Starter | # | Backup | # | Reserve |
| WR | 19 | Donald Jones | 11 | Roscoe Parrish | 81 | Marcus Easley |
| LT | 77 | Demetrius Bell | 71 | Ed Wang | ||
| LG | 67 | Andy Levitre | 76 | Chad Rinehart | ||
| C | 70 | Eric Wood | 63 | Geoff Hangartner | ||
| RG | 60 | Kraig Urbik | ||||
| RT | 79 | Erik Pears | 75 | Chris Hairston* | ||
| TE | 84 | Scott Chandler | 80 | David Martin | ||
| WR | 13 | Stevie Johnson | 86 | David Nelson | 18 | Naaman Roosevelt |
| QB | 14 | Ryan Fitzpatrick | 4 | Tyler Thigpen | 16 | Brad Smith |
| RB | 22 | Fred Jackson | 28 | C.J. Spiller | 35 | Johnny White* |
| FB | 38 | Corey McIntyre | ||||
| LE | 99 | Marcell Dareus* | 92 | Alex Carrington | 72 | Kellen Heard |
| NT | 95 | Kyle Williams | 96 | Torell Troup | ||
| RE | 98 | Dwan Edwards | 91 | Spencer Johnson | ||
| SLB | 90 | Chris Kelsay | 57 | Danny Batten | ||
| MLB | 54 | Andra Davis | 55 | Kelvin Sheppard* | 94 | Chris White* |
| WLB | 50 | Nick Barnett | 53 | Reggie Torbor | 52 | Arthur Moats |
| JLB | 56 | Shawne Merriman | 59 | Antonio Coleman | ||
| LCB | 24 | Terrence McGee | 21 | Leodis McKelvin | ||
| SS | 37 | George Wilson | 43 | Bryan Scott | 25 | Da'Norris Searcy* |
| FS | 31 | Jairus Byrd | ||||
| RCB | 29 | Drayton Florence | 23 | Aaron Williams* | 27 | Reggie Corner |
| K | 9 | Rian Lindell | ||||
| P | 8 | Brian Moorman | ||||
| LS | 65 | Garrison Sanborn |
Players cut (34): QB Levi Brown, RB Bruce Hall, RB Anthony Elzy, FB Jehuu Caulcrick, WR Buster Davis, WR Felton Huggins, WR Paul Hubbard, WR Kamar Aiken, TE Shawn Nelson, TE Mike Caussin, TE Zach Pianalto, OT Cordaro Howard, OT Jason Watkins, OG Mansfield Wrotto, OG Colin Brown, OG Isaiah Thompson, C Michael Switzer, DE Lionel Dotson, DE T.J. Langley, NT Michael Jasper, OLB Jammie Kirlew, OLB Robert Eddins, ILB Brad Jefferson, ILB Brandon Hicks, CB Justin Rogers, CB Loyce Means, CB Doyle Miller, S Jon Corto, S Rajric Coleman, S Sidney Glover, S Josh Nesbitt, P Reid Forrest, LS Danny Aiken.
Positional Breakdown
QB (3): Fitzpatrick, Thigpen, Smith
RB (3): Jackson, Spiller, White
FB (1): McIntyre
WR (6): Johnson, Jones, Parrish, Nelson, Roosevelt, Easley
TE (2): Chandler, Martin
OT (4): Bell, Pears, Wang, Hairston
OG (3): Levitre, Urbik, Rinehart
C (2): Wood, Hangartner
DE (5): Dareus, Edwards, Johnson, Carrington, Heard
NT (2): Williams, Troup
OLB (4): Merriman, Kelsay, Coleman, Batten
ILB (6): Barnett, Davis, Torbor, Sheppard, Moats, White
CB (5): Florence, McGee, McKelvin, Williams, Corner
S (4): Byrd, Wilson, Scott, Searcy
SP (3): Lindell, Moorman, Sanborn
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Moats?
Is he really just going to get buried on the depth chart? Torbor is less than spectacular.
http://buffalopp.com
by buffalosportsfan on Aug 22, 2011 12:06 PM EDT reply actions
I say cut Torbor for a 3rd TE or additional player elsewhere. No need for 6 ILBs even if they do have versatility. I do however worry about having to limit sets if one of 2 TE’s gets injured. I mean I guess they could throw an eligible lineman or a FB at the end of the line if they wanted to go 2 TE set.
by BuffaloRepresent on Aug 22, 2011 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
The Seahawks may cut
John Carlson with Zach Miller on board there now. If that happens the Bills would be wise to make room for him like you say.
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
i support this 1000 million %
we need to accept that bigger targets that can also block are a need here. just a fact. been a fact for a while… in fact. ; ) but if it came right down to it, trading torbor for a third, second, or first TE potential is more than fair to me. (Carlson is like Nelson in that he has a ton of upside still, but he hasn’t done more than show an occasional flash, whether it be practice or game, or whatever.
by ThaRealTruth on Aug 22, 2011 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions
if we are running a 3-4 we need as many line backers as possible
by badnewsBills on Aug 22, 2011 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Not on game day – call one up from the PS if you have injuries. And might as well get Shep and White playing time if the season goes the way we probably all know it’s going anyway.
by BuffaloRepresent on Aug 23, 2011 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions
#72
been impressive
"Alright Men, lets go out there, bust um in the chops & get somebody bloody. If your not a superstar you best be sweating that ass off. Take the W in battle & make the Bills Nation Proud."
by Blood, sweat & Win on Aug 22, 2011 12:09 PM EDT reply actions
didnt see it
The bull rush, counter move & general presence around the ball been noticeable.
Does need a number in the 90’s though.
"Alright Men, lets go out there, bust um in the chops & get somebody bloody. If your not a superstar you best be sweating that ass off. Take the W in battle & make the Bills Nation Proud."
by Blood, sweat & Win on Aug 22, 2011 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Forgot about Art Still already, huh?
Great D lineman right before the Super Bowl era. Was good friends with Fred Smerlas. 72 is a GREAT number for D Line. IMHO, of course.
by ChuckBuffInFlo on Aug 22, 2011 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Nah, give the 350 pounder a 90's #
if he makes the team.
Big Art conjurers KC memories, but I want 72 to go to the new OT.
Smerlas & Haslett were about my favorite 1-2 combo though, right up there w/Smith & Talley; actually was hoping Williams & Poz could have reached that plateau.
"Alright Men, lets go out there, bust um in the chops & get somebody bloody. If your not a superstar you best be sweating that ass off. Take the W in battle & make the Bills Nation Proud."
by Blood, sweat & Win on Aug 23, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Big Art from KC
yes quite a player.
But lets give the big guy a number in the 90’s & save 72 for the new OT.
Fred & Has were about my favorite 1-2 combo though, right up there w/Bruce & Talley. Actually was hoping Poz & Williams got to that level.
"Alright Men, lets go out there, bust um in the chops & get somebody bloody. If your not a superstar you best be sweating that ass off. Take the W in battle & make the Bills Nation Proud."
by Blood, sweat & Win on Aug 23, 2011 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
You can say that again.
;o)
Williams and Sheppard for the next great 1 – 2 combo!
by ChuckBuffInFlo on Aug 23, 2011 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Practice Squad.
Brian, will you be taking a stab at the practice squad as we draw closer to the season?
I have to think Justin Rogers & Nesbitt will make the practice squad.
Follow Me here: http://twitter.com/Michael_Necci
Probably not.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
The guys I mentioned in the article. :)
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Bruce hall played well the last couple games. Maybe with white out next week he can play with 2s and show he might belong as a PS player at the least.
by polar2292 on Aug 22, 2011 12:16 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
He’s been around the league a while. Not sure he has PS eligibility left.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
At this point
Torbor has to be cut, he was miserable. I think in that case Jefferson might have a good shot at making the team due to the rookies and Moats missing time.
Check out buddynixon.com for more of my work.
Torbor needs to go
He’s just flat out bad at this point. Slow, stiff, a step late and unable to really have any positve impact. I don’t care if he is versatile enough to play OLB or ILB; he’s not good in either place.
Of course, the problem remains a lack of depth and experience. With the other 3 ILB’s all hurt and having little to no NFL experience there, Torbor has a nice shot at sticking.
~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 Aug 22, 2011 12:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
even though he is a veteran
he still has to go. I did not see a single good play from him, just willis mcgahee going uncovered into the endzone… I’d rather see a much more athletic moats out their learning what he has to do. Although at the moment he is injured.
Fitzmagic
Torbor looked like he was standing it quicksand
on that McGahee swing pass for a TD.
Now attending the Univ. of Hockey.
Torbor at this point reminds me of the washed up has been LB that Gregg Williams brought over from TN, his name escapes me – Eddie Somethingerother?……….who infamously was so washed up and has beened that the uber elusive Chad Pennington gave him the “deadleg” at the 5, juked him out of his jock and pension, and walked into the endzone. Lovely.
by LeClaire Bill on Aug 22, 2011 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Good old Eddie Robinson....
~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 Aug 22, 2011 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I can't stop watching it....
over and over and over. Just amazingly crappy.
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Aug 22, 2011 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions
so true
I think I keep watching to try and understand how someone lets Chad Pennington do that to them.
I think something happened that we cant see. At the last second Chad must have yelled something that threw him off or something. It doesnt make sense….
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
I also don’t agree with the characterization of Kyle Williams as a NT or Kelsay as a LB. When both guys are on the field, we run a 4-3 over or under (with Williams as a DT and Kelsay as an End), at least so far this preseason. Kelsay does still play some LB in nickel packages (which makes no sense to me), but I’d consider him more of an end because that’s what he plays in base packages.
Check out buddynixon.com for more of my work.
It’s a depth chart. We know what positions they really play, but I’m not going to create special positions for those guys. :)
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Ha! It is funny how the classic NFL depth chart makes no sense for most teams these days. Really, it probably hasn’t for years given how much flexibility in scheme a lot of teams use.
It looks more like the chart is more exactly what you said it was – a roster projection, and possible indicator of starters, rather than a depth chart.
Is there any way we can petition the league to have 0 inactives on game day? I know the 3rd QB can play as a regular player now, but it doesn’t make sense to have a handful of guys who are ‘on the team’ but can’t play in the game, even in an emergency.
Another season (maybe), another year getting on the roller coaster. Hope the ride lasts more than 16 games :)
I don't get how Arthur Moats goes from
Being our starting Rush LB to our 3rd string ILB. Poor team management in my opinion.
Moats on 1 side Merriman on the other. Kelsay gets moved to the pine, and becomes our Dime DE.
This 53 man projection really hurts to look at right now. ? all over the place.
"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 Aug 22, 2011 12:22 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Because we have no depth at ILB at the moment, he’s undersized, and wasn’t the starter.
Check out buddynixon.com for more of my work.
That and we have Carrington moving into another rush OLB spot since we have Dareus at end now along with Edwards
Which when teamed with Kyle seems to be a good setup for our standard 3-4
Goose22- "I have a quick first step, I’m so good just go an ask my rep
I look like Tarzan but play like Jane" Aaron May(have)bin
We have no depth at ILB regardless
Whether Moats in 3rd string or not we have absoluley no depth at this position. I hammered home the point of this during the Off Season, Andra Davis, Reggie Torbor and 2 rooks is in no way shape or form depth, nor is it impactful!
Defense starts with the LB’s and will always start from there if you have spectacular LB’s your defense will be productive. As long as you have sub par LB’s you will always have sub par defense. Simple as that.
"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 Aug 22, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
"Defense starts with the LB’s.."???
Uh… no it doesn’t.. it starts in the trenches. Just like the offense does.. Sub par D Line leads to a sub par defense dude.
by JerseyBillsFan on Aug 22, 2011 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
problem is we're running a 3-4...
and your pass rush comes from your outside LB’s. Our DL looks pretty good until you include those guys…
Catch the Taste!
Our base defense is still a 4-3 over
Its more similar to a 3-4 than the tampa 4-3 we ran with Jauron, but if all our starters are playing, we’re in a 4-3.
Check out buddynixon.com for more of my work.
Uh, clearly you under estimate the impact LB's have on a defence
If you have 4 high caliber LB’s you stop the run and you stop the short intermediate passes, which in case you haven’t noticed absolutley KILLS the Bills.
When you run a 3-4 which is exactly what the Bills are TRYING to run, you have to have good LB’s,
Pittsburgh great example. Woodley, Harrison, Farrior, Timmons on the defense they have plug DL Hampton Kiesel and whoever mans the 3rd DL spot and they have Palmalu playing safety, they replace there corners every year and have a new FS almost every 2 or 3 years. But they maintain ther LB core.
Baltimore Ray, Suggs, Jameel McClain and Anderson. Before McClain it was Bart Scott and you saw the difference losing Bart made.
Speaking of Bart what about the Jets Scott, Thomas, Pace and Taylor now to be honest i don’t know who the other OLB is but again they have great LB’s and they have a great defence.
Your LB’s are everything, thats why they are they are so highly touted when they become FA’s. look at what Paully got and people only view him as mediocre, I view him as different but thats not what I am arguing.
Anyone can plug a hole, its a whole different ball game when you have to read the play, adjust your blitz and pick up the hot route all in 1 play. Thats why LB’s are the most important piece!
"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 Aug 22, 2011 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Baltimore and NYJ’s ‘3-4’ defenses and Pittsburgh’s 3-4 are completely different defenses that rely on very different concepts. 3-4 is a term used in a vacuum way too often.
Also our Base defense is 4-3 at the moment, and probably will be as long as we have Kelsay starting.
Check out buddynixon.com for more of my work.
They still run 3 DL and 4 LB's
Thats the point i’m making. I don’t care what scheme they run, they have 4 LB’s on the field
"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 Aug 22, 2011 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Again, which is an oversimplified point without any substance. What the Jets and Ravens run is a hybrid, modified version of the 46. Having guys that are versatile makes it more complex, for sure, but no, they don’t always have 4 Lbs on the field. More often they have 4 linemen.
Check out buddynixon.com for more of my work.
Even in a 4-6 you still have 4 LB's on the field.
What the Ravens and what the Jets run scheme wise has no barring on Buffalos lackluster LB core.
Those teams have good if not great LB cores we don’t.
"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 Aug 22, 2011 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
You don't know what you're talking about
It’s not a a ‘4-6’ it’s a ‘46,’ named for Doug Plank’s jersey number. And you have 4 linemen, 3 linebackers, and generally shift the SS safety down into the box.
Check out buddynixon.com for more of my work.
Well
He can be the 3rd string ILB but also still rush from time to time. They simply cannot continue trotting Kelsay out there in passing situations to hold OT’s up. They must add more of a rush presence especially when Merriman is hurt, whether its with Moats, Battan, Brad Jefferson, whoever. Its asinine to put 90 in those situations over and over.
I really hope that if Moats does continue to stay at ILB that he also gets the chance to rush off the edge. He can be a part time ILB and part time edge rusher and be more impactful for this D.
~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 Aug 22, 2011 12:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I totally agree, K. And perhaps this will happen once the season begins and we are down to a 53 man roster instead of trying to get him reps at ilb in camp and preseason and getting other guys a shot outside. We shall see.
"Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup" - Terry Pegula
by willgarr15 on Aug 22, 2011 4:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Well i think you need to understand that in the D, there is not two rush LB. The weak side OLB is going to rush the passer almost every play, while the Strong side OLB is going to set the edge, play the run, and be more of a DE. That is not where Moats would make an impact.
"Winning is not a goal. It is a belief."
-Terry Pegula-
by Eric Murawski on Aug 22, 2011 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Also
Spencer Johnson has outplayed Dwan this pre season
"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 Aug 22, 2011 12:23 PM EDT reply actions
Honestly, that is how I see our roster breaking down too as well Brian
Do you have an idea beyond Jasper on who might go to the PS if this roster shakedown happened? I see Jasper as the only definite in that group of cut guys, maybe Aiken and Switzer, but no one else sticks out to me.
Goose22- "I have a quick first step, I’m so good just go an ask my rep
I look like Tarzan but play like Jane" Aaron May(have)bin
Nesbitt and a RB should be there too
Probably another OL and LB also
~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 Aug 22, 2011 12:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Robert Eddins has a good shot at it.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
My crack at Practice Squad:
Brown (QB)
Elzy (RB)
Aiken (WR)
Pianalto (TE)
Jasper (DT)
Eddins (LB)
Rogers (CB)
Nesbitt (S, ATH)
by RockyTopBill on Aug 22, 2011 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Why must Hangartner be relegated to the bench?
He is probably our second best blocker, and he’s on the bench??? Meanwhile, Kraig Urbik starts at RG. Why not just put Hangartner at RG? He’s done it before.
I tend to agree
But I think he could step into the lineup in week 1 even without starters reps during the preseason. It appears they want to let Urbik prove what he can do. If he continues to underwhelm, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Hang at RG in KC.
~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 Aug 22, 2011 12:38 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Let's cut Ed Wang and practice squad Hairston
so we can sign McKinnie and keep Jasper. Move Jasper to RG and McKinne to RT and have 800 lbs. of manimal on the right side :). That way Spiller will be camoflouged by their shadows when he sweeps to the right. Of course that would probably only work in Madden.
by NordicBillsfan on Aug 22, 2011 12:39 PM EDT reply actions
I’ve always wondered what it would be like if a NFL GM manager ran his team like it was Madd… nevermind, I just remembered Al Davis was still alive.
Check out buddynixon.com for more of my work.
by cjf4 on Aug 22, 2011 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
and he just dropped a 3rd on Pryor in the supplemental draft.
by RedStickBillsFan on Aug 22, 2011 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
You just gave someone their fantasy football team name "800 pounds of Manimal"
Goose22- "I have a quick first step, I’m so good just go an ask my rep
I look like Tarzan but play like Jane" Aaron May(have)bin
LS?
Do we really need to take up a roster spot with a long snapper? I can think of atleast 5 position players I would rather keep.
This is one of the most important positions on a football team
If you can’t snap the ball properly for FG and punts you in a whole world of trouble.
"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 Aug 22, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
PLease see Giants gaff in the post season in I believe it was 2006? They brought a guy in a week before the playoffs
and he botched three of them I think, cost them a game against the 49ers when T.O. lit their butts up.
Goose22- "I have a quick first step, I’m so good just go an ask my rep
I look like Tarzan but play like Jane" Aaron May(have)bin
Yes.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Hes never jacked up a snap since hes been in Buffalo.
Teams lose games because of this position.
Please dont jynx him now lol
Now attending the Univ. of Hockey.
And if you’re the Chargers you lose multiple games because of this position.
by NordicBillsfan on Aug 22, 2011 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Probably best to keep it that way.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2011 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Sanborn
Interesting story about Garrison – while at an appointment (I live in Jacksonville now), this veterinarian noticed the Bills shirt I was wearing and mentioned that she’s good friends with the LS. She was quite surprised that I knew his name, that he went to FSU, etc. (I know my team!) But she told me he’s a great guy, and told me that after he went unsigned, he gave a verbal commitment to Buffalo when they called on him, and before he actually signed his contract, he was contacted by the Bucs (Tampa is where he and his family are from) and although it was tempting to sign there, he stood by his word that he gave to Buffalo. I’m glad he did, because he’s as solid a snapper as there is IMO. And a solid guy as well.
by BuffaloRepresent on Aug 22, 2011 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Rec'd
Nice story. Thanks for sharing.
by ChuckBuffInFlo on Aug 22, 2011 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions
This looks exactly right to me
Like others, I do wonder if Torbor is not going to make it. It would be something of a surprise, but I could see them cutting Torbor and putting Eddins on the regular roster. His pass rush moves are incredibly sophisticated and effective for a rookie (and an undrafted one at that) and he might actually be able to contribute fairly early in the season.
I was also struck by Mark Gaughn’s comment in his Livechat last week that Hangartner is “in trouble.” I had assumed that he was in the running for one of the starting OG spots, but Gaughn thinks otherwise and Gaughn is often on top of these things.
I had expected Justin Rogers to make the roster given how high the coaches are on him, but his long injury may change that. He will surely be on the PS at a minimum.
Could Levitre taking back-up center snaps be less about having an emergency back-up as much as seeing if we have an alternative to hang? He seems like a solid back-up at worst, but maybe he doesn’t make solid-back-up money. Also, maybe he is not the type of player they are moving toward on the o-line. Though I’m really not clear on that plan… do they want pass-blockers or maulers? space guys or bulk guys? The offense seems to be moving one way and the o-line the other, but I will admit I haven’t parsed together what they’ve said about the o-line all that closely.
by greysquirrel on Aug 22, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, I was wondering if that was why they were putting Levitre in at Center. I believe Rinehart and Urbik are also capable of playing there. Hangartner is not that big and powerful, but he is very savvy and supplies a steady presence when he is in the pivot. Chan Gailey has said he wants to be bigger and stronger up front — i.e., he doesn’t want his o-line to get “manhandled” all the time. But he also wants them to be athletic enough to execute all the fancy traps and pulling plays he likes to run. Hard to figure.
he wants to be bigger and stronger up front — i.e., he doesn’t want his o-line to get "manhandled" all the time. But he also wants them to be athletic enough to execute all the fancy traps and pulling plays he likes to run. Hard to figure.
Well put. This has to be the biggest headache for Gailey right now.
It's simple, but it aint easy. *2
Well-said, sometimes this seems to be running at cross-purposes, but maybe he just wants them to be able to do it all.
by greysquirrel on Aug 22, 2011 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I can only hope they’re not entertaining the thought of cutting Hang because of the money he makes. At this point, they can’t afford to be frugal at the cost of the quality of an already weak line. If it’s because his play isn’t up to snuff, then so be it.
by BuffaloRepresent on Aug 22, 2011 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Pianalto had some catches last game
any chance he stays on at the expense of Wang or Heard?
i miss brad butler and richie incognito
we had a right side of our line dissapear on us. I am hopeful the o-line juggling is not done yet.
by wab2 on Aug 22, 2011 1:43 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
long year
It will be a very long year if nothing gets addressed… Lots of 3 and outs. Wearing down and making it hard on our young developing defense. Leading to injuries. Yuk. Cant we just take this season off and develop our o-line all year. I honestly don’t see it productive using Pears/Rinehart/Urbik as starters.
by billshabsriders on Aug 22, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree Kamar is a BEAST!
He’s the one WR that stands out the most. I’m sorry but from what I’ve seen of Jones there is no way he should be the #2 WR. I don’t get to see these guys at practice but what matters is how it translates to the field on game day. It seems he cant get open and has dropped easy passes so as it relates to actual field productivity. Kamar looks like a WR and play like WR. I hope they give this kid a long look.
Kamar has looked good
Later in games, but I’d like to see guys like Aiken and Eddins get a series or two earlier on in the games. Seems like they’ve deserved it to me.
by buffaloparks on Aug 23, 2011 2:21 AM EDT up reply actions
#18
has looked as good as anybody
"Alright Men, lets go out there, bust um in the chops & get somebody bloody. If your not a superstar you best be sweating that ass off. Take the W in battle & make the Bills Nation Proud."
by Blood, sweat & Win on Aug 22, 2011 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Waiver Wire
These 53 players may change soon after the cut I believe. Whaley will be searching high and low for O-line help.
by ManitobaBillsFan on Aug 22, 2011 2:08 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Supplemental draft over
Pryor only player taken. Buffalo can add that de from unc if they wanted now for no draft picks.
"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 Aug 22, 2011 2:16 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Kamar Aiken
Brian – any chance we keep 7 receivers given the injuries and uncertainty there? I thought Kamar Aiken looked impressive the other night – big body and seemingly good hands. Chris Brown had also bragged about him. Any chance he slides in as the 7th receiver??
I think they keep 6 corners (add J. Rogers) and only 3 SS (cut Scott) If injuries happen at safety Williams could fill in if needed
Bless youfor cutting the cord with Wrotto and Howard
and rolling with Hairston and Wang.
I only hope the Bills agree with you
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
by poz on Aug 22, 2011 3:14 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I wasn’t necessarily impressed with Wang, but he didn’t look horribly out of place against Denver. Not as bad as I would have thought let’s say.
by BuffaloRepresent on Aug 22, 2011 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
obviously he played against 2nd stringers but i was much more impressed with Wang this past game – he’s developing nicely and I’d like to see him stick and grow like a Wang should
by J2 on Aug 22, 2011 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
he looked better against Denver
and still shows that he lacks some strength from time to time but his ceiling is still very much unknown to me. By definition this makes him the better roster choice than Wrotto and Howard who I believe are undesirable knowns
The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee
Cutting the "Cord"?!
But yeah…these guys look awful. Wrotto especially looked like he was getting tossed around out there late in the Denver game. Just gross.
by buffaloparks on Aug 23, 2011 2:24 AM EDT up reply actions
here's what i want to see before the cuts happen jasper on the first team goal line D troup was overpowered the last two games
Calling anybody a "career Redskin" when Dan Snyder is the owner is laughable. That dude make moves like he's some kid trading football cards. -greenwood1921
We need Heard up a level, he can eat up blockers and make a play, Jasper while he eats up blockers still hasn't learned
the tricks to making the play while being blocked, Heard knows them, and that is a huge help. There is a reason the Pats wouldn’t let Wilfork leave without a fight, he is too valuable to a 3-4 because he can do both.
Goose22- "I have a quick first step, I’m so good just go an ask my rep
I look like Tarzan but play like Jane" Aaron May(have)bin
Reid Forrest
is not a bad punter. Moorman’s getting up there in age. are 35yr old punters ever traded?
Flame away….
by dgrid on Aug 22, 2011 3:21 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd
This suggestion has been made elsewhere on this board. I hope the FO is shopping Moorman.
by ChuckBuffInFlo on Aug 22, 2011 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Disagree
I don’t think you cut a 2 time Pro-Bowl punter because he had a somewhat down year, in favor of a new guy. Forrest has a leg on him, but we can trust Moorman to put the ball where it needs to be. I truly don’t think Brian is the reason Buffalo went 4-12 last year, and I really don’t think some new guy will do any better than he can.
Kellen Heard
I thought Heard took a step backward against Denver after looking impressive against Chicago. I think Dotson played well last week. Both look better than Jasper.
Unless Jasper was the reincarnation of the entire Steelers Dline from the dynasty years in one body
he was going to the PS anyhow, so no big deal, whomever of Heard or Dotson shows more by the end of game 4 is going to make the cut, and Jasper goes to PS.
Goose22- "I have a quick first step, I’m so good just go an ask my rep
I look like Tarzan but play like Jane" Aaron May(have)bin
Any chance they pick up some veterans OL who get cut before the regular season. Good teams sometimes cut good veterans for younger players, so do we see any of that happening? and also what about picking up that DE from UNC, just for practice squad, not sure about him, never seen him actually play, just has good size. Any thoughts?
Fitzmagic
I’d like to see Forrest make the team. No slight on Moorman but we need a younger leg. Besides, who would pass up a chance to yell “run Forrest”!! on punts.
"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6
by Montel on Aug 22, 2011 5:55 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
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