Ugh! Not another 4th Preseason Game vs. the Lions

by tripl21 on Aug 31, 2011 1:13 AM EDT

Being an avid Bills fan and season ticket holder, not many look forward to going to the last preseason game, especially when it is against the Lions yet again for another year (what is it like 10 in a row). You see the starters for about one series, and if you're lucky you see Megatron pull in a couple grabs. But.......there are four things that I am quite looking forward to this time around:

#1. Kelvin Sheppard - This guy could potentially be a starter come the end of the season and he is yet to hit the field in any preseason action. I am excited to see what kind of energy he is going to bring to the field Thursday and looking forward to him making some plays. On whether he will be nervous during his first NFL action, "... I played some pretty big boy ball down there in the Bayou, in front of 92,000..." Well, Mr. Sheppard, we are ready for you to play some big boy ball here.

#2. Shawne Merriman - Aside from his 2.5 sacks in the first preseason game vs. the Bears where he roughly took around 8-10 snaps, we have not seen 'Lights Out' in much preseason action. Although, he will only take about 6-8 snaps Thursday night, I sure hope to witness his first 'Lights Out' dance under the lights at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

#3. #2 WR battle (Marcus Easley, Donald Jones (will not play), David Nelson, any other Bills receivers) - This battle became a lot more clear after Easley's performance last Saturday, but don't rule out Nelson just yet. The man proved he is willing to go over the middle last year and make tough catches, especially on 3rd down. I am looking forward to seeing if Easley can have a repeat performance or if someone will step up and make some plays this coming Thursday.

#4. #1 LT battle (Demetrius Bell vs. Andy Levitre) - Bell was absolutely horrendous against Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller in the second preseason game, but had a decent bounce back game against the Jags on Saturday. Levitre has had an up and down preseason, being removed from his starting LG position and seeing split time at multiple positions, then re-inserted as starting LG and now seeing split reps at LT. I know he is a versatile linemen, but eventually we need to pick a spot and let him get some consistent reps. That will come after this game. Chan announced the he will name a starter following the Lions game because next week during practice "he wants to practice the way we play." The same also goes for the #2 WR position. So have at it Demetrius and Andy, may the better tackle win.

Fellow Rumblers, what are you looking forward to come Thursday night??

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

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Comments

The 4th preseason game

generally sucks no matter who your going against.

by Xaviermw on Aug 31, 2011 2:01 AM EDT reply actions

Will Fitz be playing much?

I always like seeing him play.

by Mavyrk on Aug 31, 2011 8:50 AM EDT reply actions

Starters are playing

6-10 plays. So a drive or two…

Now attending the Univ. of Hockey.

by bflo on Aug 31, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions

We got news

That our starters would be playing a drive or two as well; it kind of surprised us with how well the starters have been doing, we figured we’d be getting more tape.

Well, it should make the first ten minutes pretty interesting and relevant at least.

by Mavyrk on Aug 31, 2011 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Looking forward to seeing more of the reserves fighting for a roster spot. I want to see Easley secure that #2 receiver spot tomorrow night by playing good solid all around football.

Most importantly, I want to see everyone come out of the game healthy.

"Sit down and watch my Buffalo Bills destroy your Kingdome" - Abayarde

by nickdaniels on Aug 31, 2011 8:54 AM EDT reply actions

Are they playing Merriman? I was under the impression he wasn’t playing until week 1.

"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.

by stetzwebs on Aug 31, 2011 10:21 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah, Gailey said he’ll get a few snaps since has hasn’t played in “a couple of years” (his quote.)

by Xaviermw on Aug 31, 2011 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Okay, good then. We’ll get to see if the Chicago game was an aberration.

"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.

by stetzwebs on Aug 31, 2011 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions

I’d prefer they hold him out until KC. Groin injuries can nag for an entire season. I believe Merriman knows how to play the game at this point. They should take an “over-protection” policy and rest him longer.

Our defense, and essentially our team’s success, depends upon Merriman being on the field this year.

by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Aug 31, 2011 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Groin injury? I must have missed that…I thought he had muscle stiffness in his leg.

"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.

by stetzwebs on Aug 31, 2011 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll have to find the report. I think Chris Brown reported it.

They said it’s stiffness and soreness in the groin area. That doesn’t specifically mean it’s a pulled groin, or a serious groin injury, but it makes me nervous and I think they should err on the side of caution.

by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Aug 31, 2011 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Don’t worry, I actually just saw it. Not sure how I missed that the first time. Thanks, though.

And I agree, groin injuries are not that serious, but always nagging, and slow players down a lot. Here’s to hoping he’s okay.

"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.

by stetzwebs on Aug 31, 2011 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions

nobody is pointing this out enough

but the offensive line did NOT bounce back… bell and levitre did NOT bounce back…

jacksonville are the worst pass rushing team for 2 years… and on top of that they did not play without aaron kampman and tyson alualu their top 2 Dlinemen…

even our backups could have played well there… i wish we just stop giving credit when not deserved… our left side still sucks…

i will note though that wood, urbik and pears look good… when bell and levitre played bad in denver i think pears and urbik moved in the positive direction… wood has been good throughout…

by statcruncher on Aug 31, 2011 11:20 AM EDT reply actions

Will this be true after the Lions game or will it be true if and only if they bring someone else in?

i wish we just stop giving credit when not deserved… our left side still sucks…

When does this arguement end. playoffs, superbowl, winning record? The lions bring a formidable rush, but if they don’t play everyone or pull someone early is it going to be more of the same. What is the bar we are measuring against, the colts, patriots, jets, Eagles etc… Is it the draft choices, I am trying to understand why we can’t put together a formidable front line that we can get behind. What is it going to take, statistical monsters from other teams? Me personally am expecting a better season from last year with what ever group begins the season, with a stronger bunch itching to get in. I think we are developing this. Is Fitz going to stay crystal clean all season, probably not, but isn’t it safe to assume that we could be better with what we have compared to last year, that is all I am hoping for while our run defense and pass rush improve dramatically from last year. That would be a huge improvement going forward. I know we played much better against the Jags and I know we were forced to look pathetic against the Bronco’s. I know the coaches have been working their tails off to get this right before Sept 11 and I think they are making progress but they would be wrong to concede at this point because the season is so long and brutal. I guess I am confused with the opinion of that they suck and we are doomed because we didn’t acknowledge the positions prior to this point. When actually, the staff and players have been working their tails off to be an improved group. Time will tell I guess, but I am personally looking forward to the competition that the Lions can bring even if it is a short spurt in the 1st period. They too have been door mats and showed the patriots last week that they mean serious stuff this year. I say bring it on and let the players decide and let the coaches coach.

YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde

by VanScottM on Aug 31, 2011 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Watch Shawn Nelson

Gailey went out of his way to mention that he was coming back from injury and basically said that his performance in the game will determine whether he makes the team or not.

by Xaviermw on Aug 31, 2011 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

I sure hope to witness his first ‘Lights Out’ dance under the lights at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

meeeeeee too.

ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE

by ThaRealTruth on Sep 1, 2011 1:22 AM EDT reply actions

especially since i will be attending my first game ever tomorrow.

: ) i am not a live game watcher generally, as i prefer to be more comfortable for games… and free to drink eat and swear and jump up and down like a child (without as much embarrassment) etc in the comfort of my/ or my friends’ homes. but that said, as a true fan, i have missed out on the game experience for faaaaaaaaarrrrrrrr to long… until now.

Note: Thanks J2. appreciate it.

ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE

by ThaRealTruth on Sep 1, 2011 1:25 AM EDT up reply actions