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Bills Training Camp: Chan Gailey Sees Lack Of Depth At OT

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The Buffalo Bills' free agent courtship of Atlanta Falcons right tackle Tyson Clabo proved many things about the team, not the least of which is that they're not overly confident about their current offensive tackle depth chart (despite the Disney-level optimism GM Buddy Nix has expressed in the group).

Bills head coach Chan Gailey all but confirmed that theory on Monday, when he told reporters that he was concerned with the team's depth at tackle.

"We don't have a lot of depth right now," Gailey told reporters. "Ed (Wang) has played none and Cordaro (Howard) played very little last year. So we really don't have any depth at that position. We have to develop it, and that’s what training camp is about to develop that. We'd love to have had some more time to do it, but you take what you've got."

Wang and Howard have been taking reps at left tackle in place of the dinged-up Demetrius Bell, while rookie Chris Hairston - a fourth-round pick out of Clemson in April - has struggled on both the left and right side. Bell and Erik Pears seem entrenched as starters; time will tell how much doom that spells for the team's outlook this season.

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Lack Of Depth

Understatement of the year!

Baby steps are for babies. Step it up buffalo!

by buffalobacker on Aug 9, 2011 1:02 PM EDT reply actions  

seriously...

what I can’t even fathom is why the FO went after so many quality starting offensive tackles, but refuse to address the depth at the position. Does this make sense to anybody else?

by bizarro bills on Aug 9, 2011 2:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

Don't know that they went after them

When it’s all said and done, it’s in the hands of the owner, and Ralph has clearly let it be known he’s tired of overpaying for players who are past their prime. Nix probably got the job by singing the tune he’s singing now – he develops his teams through the draft and second-tier Free Agents that he can pick up for less money than the Clabos of the league.

by Defensewinsgames on Aug 9, 2011 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Were doomed

Why is it that it takes us forever to rebuild hate to so it but I think we may need Andrew luck and the way things r going that might just happen hope that chan will get to stick around long enough to help this franchise out and we have no oline I like wood and Andy but that’s about it

by diehard12 on Aug 9, 2011 3:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

Wang is horrible.

I hope that we go out and sign a vet as backup. Is Kaczur still available/able to play?

McKinnie is scary but you know what, Id take a flier on him, $2.5 isnt much, especially when we have the room for it.

And when final cuts come down I would hope that Nix is searching them up and down. The downfall of this team is going to come from out OT position.

Now attending the Univ. of Hockey.

by bflo on Aug 9, 2011 1:03 PM EDT reply actions  

Agreed

Our DL is consistently smoking the OL. That’s trouble. Watching them battle on BB.com it’s like Wang doesn’t even get a hand on pass rushers. Not to read too much from a couple highlights, but our OL needs HELP.

Yup

by Bills4ever on Aug 9, 2011 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Merriman has been jacking Wang everyday in practice. I’m glad to hear he offered some one on one assistance after practice was over. Wang is definitely going to need added pressure if he’s going to get ready to hang with the big boys once regular season starts. If he doesn’t get on the ball quick he’s going to definitely get released

by telka on Aug 9, 2011 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Merriman has been jacking Wang everyday in practice.

Seriously? I mean, seriously?

"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 9, 2011 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hey I’m just reporting what I read. They said afterwards he pulled Wang aside and helped him visualize what was being done to him by starting slow in the beginning and then applied more pressure by pulling and tugging him full speed. I would think Merriman felt he was tight and was trying to help him relax.

by telka on Aug 9, 2011 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Lol!

I think stetzwebs was talking about the proximity of the words “jacking” and “Wang.”

by ChuckBuffInFlo on Aug 9, 2011 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Would you rather I said he was blowing him up?

by telka on Aug 9, 2011 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Hahaha!

NO! Please don’t! You’re killing me here!

by ChuckBuffInFlo on Aug 9, 2011 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

Merriman was jacking Wang so much- he starting calling him ‘his’ Wang.

by Tom LeValley on Aug 9, 2011 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

You managed to use the following words / phrases in your original post:

Jacking
offered some one on one assistance
need added pressure
ready to hang with the big boys
get on the ball quick
definitely get released.

Wow. That’s a whole lot of innuendo!

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 10, 2011 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions  

Wow. That’s a whole lot of innuendo!

TWSS

by J2 on Aug 10, 2011 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions  

felt he was tight and was trying to help him relax.

Can’t…stop…laughing…

"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 9, 2011 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

so secretly

we’re all a bunch of naughty 8th graders on here, right?

by ChuckBuffInFlo on Aug 9, 2011 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

Doesn’t seem like it’s a big secret.

"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 9, 2011 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

No, the make-up here of us is mainly male i’d say, and as such, we largely enjoy juvenile humor.

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 10, 2011 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions  

Hopefully Nix will scrounge up an OT

During final cuts, unfortunately it might be a little late. Wasting an entire preseason and TC to get reps together.

What I find appalling is how everyone, Nix, Gailey, fans, John freaking Clayton, knew that OT was an issue for the past two seasons and we do nothing of significance to address this. Pears? Wrotto? Wang? Hairston? Cornell Green? It’s an absolute joke.

by babyh on Aug 9, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Agreed

And being heterosexual I’m not interested in Wang either. :)

Baby steps are for babies. Step it up buffalo!

by buffalobacker on Aug 10, 2011 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions  

Cool Cat Chan

Is slyly trying to tell Nix to go get him an OT.

by Xaviermw on Aug 9, 2011 1:05 PM EDT via mobile reply actions  

Too late now. That should have happened two weeks ago.

by Rick A on Aug 9, 2011 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

I would hope they don't speak to each other through the media....just sayin

QB SMASHER KING KONG JASPER
Dareus will put you on you Dar-e-ass

If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

by Joe P. on Aug 9, 2011 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Id expect

Gailey is less thrilled than I am about our “offseason activity” at OT.

The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee

by poz on Aug 9, 2011 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

These preseason games will be very important.

Not so much to evaluate our own tackle positions, but those tackles of other teams.

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 9, 2011 1:10 PM EDT reply actions  

And possibly to wake Buddy Nix the @#$% up.

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 9, 2011 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Even Gailey is taking digs at Nix

Maybe Buddy can snag someone off a practice squad after the season starts.

by Rick A on Aug 9, 2011 1:15 PM EDT reply actions  

I didn't get that vibe at all.

Chan was just being what he always is. An exceptionally straight shooter. They tried hard to address OT and it didn’t work out. Everyone needs to settle down. Teams are carrying 90 man rosters. Cut down day will most assuredly provide some sort of veteran depth at the position.

Then if everything works out we will be able to better address the need in next years draft.

by blitzboy54 on Aug 9, 2011 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, Gailey and Nix probably talk 10 times a day. He doesn’t need to send Nix a message, he needs to send US a message (don’t expect much from this o-line — particularly if injuries start getting away from us again).

by greysquirrel on Aug 9, 2011 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Even Gailey is taking digs at Nix

how is that even remotely the case?

Plus – Nix has gone out and tried to get OT help so it’s not like he doesn’t know that there is an issue there. Identifying a problem and finding adequate upgrades at the proper price to players that want to come to Buffalo isn’t as easy as some here make it out to be.

Clearly both Nix and Gailey understand the issue at the tackle position just as we do here.

by J2 on Aug 9, 2011 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

The Oline will make or break 2011

The team has it’s share of playmakers, they have a QB who is smart and while occasionally inaccurate, seems capable of winning football games. The dine has been revamped, the linebackers have talent and if they can stay healthy will play well. The secondary is solid.

The offensive line will either propel this team from the dredges of the NFL or teams will have a field day putting Fitzy on his back.

Here’s to hoping Chan can develop depth in a month.

"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby."
- Buddy Nix

"How can a guy with a name like Melo be such a pain in the ass?"
- George Lopez

by dnvrBillsfan on Aug 9, 2011 1:15 PM EDT reply actions  

I’m curious to learn if the spread will help with an inferior OL. Perhaps that’s why Gailey wants to run it so much? Or perhaps it’s just because he wants to become the NFL’s offensive version of Buddy Ryan.

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 9, 2011 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think it proved to be successful against teams like Pittsburgh and Baltimore last year but it certainly didn’t work well against the Pats or Jets. Maybe Smith will be utilized more in the divisional games because the Wildcat concept has thrown both Belicheat and Rex for a loop many times.

"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby."
- Buddy Nix

"How can a guy with a name like Melo be such a pain in the ass?"
- George Lopez

by dnvrBillsfan on Aug 9, 2011 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

In other surprising news:

Poop is disgusting.

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 9, 2011 1:19 PM EDT reply actions  

Really? Poop? Couldn’t go with “beer is good”?
=-)

by garcia76 on Aug 9, 2011 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well, I was going for a terrible theme. Beer is anyting but terrible. Well okay, Rolling Rock is terrible.

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 9, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Iron City is worse.

by garcia76 on Aug 9, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

Steel Reserve takes the crap cake.

"What we've got here is failure to communicate. Some men you just can't reach, so you get what we had here last week which is the way he wants it. Well, he gets it. And I don't like it any more than you men." -Unnamed NFL CBA negotiator

by BuffaloBlueBlood on Aug 9, 2011 3:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

Genny Cream anyone?

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

by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Aug 9, 2011 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

Olympia

Perception is reality; but if your perception is off, you live in your own reality. -- perkispower
Unfortunatly, experience doesn't always lead to wisdom - Joe P.

by thefourwinds on Aug 9, 2011 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

I actually enjoy the GCA.

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 10, 2011 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions  

no way

can’t stop the rock

Check out buddynixon.com for more of my work.

by cjf4 on Aug 9, 2011 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

You’re talking to a Delerium and Dogfishhead fan.

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 9, 2011 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Love dogfishhead, especially the ipa, great stuff.

by garcia76 on Aug 9, 2011 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Dogfish

Is good stuff. I also like Honey Brown.

"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6

by Montel on Aug 9, 2011 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Kind of like Rolling Rock

But then I can get a 6-pack here for $5.99. Like Buddy, I prefer not to overpay.
Ah for the days of Schmidt’s for $1.29 at my local Bells.

by Defensewinsgames on Aug 9, 2011 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

^THIS^

Put a smile on my face!

"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6

by Montel on Aug 9, 2011 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

is max starks still obese, if he slims down a bit he could help us at right tackle or guard as craig urbik is clearly not ready

by snakebyte18 on Aug 9, 2011 1:25 PM EDT via mobile reply actions  

Our defense isn't as good as they look against our horrible OL!

They need to go get a veteran stat! It’s mindboggling that they haven’t done this already in the year and half they’ve been here.

by Sluss88 on Aug 9, 2011 1:25 PM EDT reply actions  

The O-line is by far the most dubious part of our football team. Time will tell but I predict it has surpassed our run defense.It’s been way too long since we have beeen solid or invested in significant resources (except Dockery) at the position.

by garcia76 on Aug 9, 2011 1:26 PM EDT reply actions  

Fixed it:

Bills Training Camp: Chan Gailey Everyone (Except Nix) Sees Lack Of Depth At OT

"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 9, 2011 1:28 PM EDT reply actions   1 recs

My interesting take:

 I play a lot of Age of Empires 2. And the first thing I do is collect food, wood, and rock. This is so I can build up my population to get some warriors. Lets say the warriors are your general Buffalo Bills players. Then I upgrade my warriors, and get weapons. Ok so lets say our weapons our incredible WR depth(pre Brad Smith). So after i have my generic warriors and upgraded weapons, i then start building my Castle Wall…. And I build the crap out of my Castle Wall to protect my King(Fitzpatrick). I don’t use any of my money on TOYS (Brad Smith) until my Castle Wall is completed and solid as heck.

So I guess what I’m trying to say is Brad Smith is a Toy, a very nice toy, but we should have put that Brad Smith money towards our Castle Wall.

If you have enough weapons, build the Castle Wall, protect the king… THEN buy your “toys”.

by The Whistle on Aug 9, 2011 1:33 PM EDT reply actions  

I don’t think it was Brad Smith OR o-line help. It just doesn’t look like Nix liked our options on the O-line besides Clabo.

by greysquirrel on Aug 9, 2011 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

Though I agree with everything else, biggest concern is o-line depth. It’s a disaster if Bell is injured. I haven’t heard Pears name much, he might be a serviceable starter, but I can’t imagine starting Wang and Wrotto at some point in the season.

by greysquirrel on Aug 9, 2011 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

Haha thats a great analogy.

by Xaviermw on Aug 9, 2011 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

It’s a legitimate concern that the offensive tackles will be bad enough to undermine the entire offense in 2011. Sure, there will be plays and even games where the coaching staff can disguise this inadequacy and the talent at the skill positions will emerge, but in the long run over the course of a season, this group could potentially stunt the growth of the offense that Gailey is trying to install, rendering 2011 less a building block and more a stalled campaign. I think it’s a real possibility.

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

by Port Royal on Aug 9, 2011 1:41 PM EDT reply actions  

S-T-I-N-G-O

There was a GM who had subpar O-Tackles,
And Stinko was their name-o’s.
S-T-I-N-G-O
S-T-I-N-G-O
S-T-I-N-G-O
And Stinko was their name-o’s.

.

Money can't buy you happiness. But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery.
- Spike Milligan

by Goose22 on Aug 9, 2011 1:44 PM EDT reply actions  

stinko =/= stingo…

"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 9, 2011 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yea

I was in to much of a hurry (I’m at work)..

Money can't buy you happiness. But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery.
- Spike Milligan

by Goose22 on Aug 9, 2011 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm offended

At your lack of speed typing prowess! LOL

"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6

by Montel on Aug 9, 2011 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

i know its a cliche but the only way they will change the culture of losing on this team is by winning games. they seem to be deliberatly ignoring various positions with the midset of “well its ok if our weaknesses cost us multiple losses because we’ll have high draft picks next year which we’ll use to pick better players”, “we’re only allowed to build through the draft”. someone needs to remind nix or ralph or whoevers calling the shots that its ok to sign veteran players as long as theyre talented. look at what the jets did for crying out loud, theyre not scared of talented vets, their roster is made up of both young guys and old, now we’re eating their dust. i never would have thought after the season we’ve just had that nix would be as inactive as he was last year but here we are again. aaaaaarrrggghh

by snakebyte18 on Aug 9, 2011 1:49 PM EDT via mobile reply actions  

Someone will get cut we will sign him. In the meantime these are valuable reps for wang. Merriman went and gave him tips on rushing tells after practice. To try and help him out.

"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 9, 2011 1:53 PM EDT via mobile reply actions  

That says a lot

Merriman is really showing leadership through his actions. To take the time after practice to coach up a second string Olineman tells you that he knows the lack of talented OTs are the teams achilles heel.

"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6

by Montel on Aug 9, 2011 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

You can tell Brian is a professional

I would have titled this piece, “Bills Wang not adequate…….TWSS”

QB SMASHER KING KONG JASPER
Dareus will put you on you Dar-e-ass

If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

by Joe P. on Aug 9, 2011 1:55 PM EDT reply actions  

hahahaha

deep down im still a 12yr old too Joe P ;)

by dav630 on Aug 9, 2011 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

how about

“Bills Wang doesn’t measure up”.

Y'all- There's a "D" in rebuild, but no "O"- The gospel according to Buddy Nix 4:12

by fansince60 on Aug 9, 2011 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

so good

The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee

by poz on Aug 9, 2011 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

If it doesn’t measure up, it’s clearly not so good.

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 9, 2011 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

hahaha nice

The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee

by poz on Aug 9, 2011 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

"Bills Wang Can't Fill the Gaping Hole"

~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 9, 2011 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Seriously. That’s it.

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 9, 2011 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

In related news...

The Jills are on the search for the cause of the gaping hole.

The Jills PR Directors was quoted as saying “we believe in a full team effort”

by lonestar_ak on Aug 9, 2011 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

Really? Couldn’t go with: “Bills have big hole; Wang can’t fill it”

Formerly of thatguy34 fame.

"And the best decision of my life proved to be the day I signed with the Buffalo Bills." - Jim Kelly

by Jon Harrington on Aug 9, 2011 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Seriously

Jills are disappointed that Wang is on the outside

"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6

by Montel on Aug 9, 2011 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh my.

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 10, 2011 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions  

“Bills to cut Wang?”

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 10, 2011 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions  

who else are we waiting for to get cut that would be better than the guys available? what happens if we wait and starks and mckinnie are signed elsewhere and theres nobody else available? seems like a risky tactic, especially seeing as how our current group of tackles could barely be considered pro football players

by snakebyte18 on Aug 9, 2011 2:02 PM EDT via mobile reply actions  

Can Chan

make lemonade from the lemons Nix has given him? Perhaps he can be the innovator everyone says he is by teaching Fitz to throw while on his back.
IMO, this development, or “revelation” by Chan, illustrates why he is the unsuccessful head coach he’s always been.
You cannot tell me that an aggressive, assertive, git ‘er done type coach would sit back and let Nix render the offense impotent by ignoring its biggest need. Dumpster diving is not attending to the need. Signing Green isn’t. Drafting Wang isn’t(unless you’re looking for a turnstile).
Isn’t Chan’s forte offense? How could he stand by and allow that? By being an ineffective, wimpy, coach that’s how.
In my mind, CHIX is who I thought they were. There’s a reason why Nix has not been a GM and Gailey has never been a consistent winner as a HC. I will not think differently as long as developments like these surface.
What have they been thinking/doing for 2 years? It is only a revelation for them…everyone else could see it.

Y'all- There's a "D" in rebuild, but no "O"- The gospel according to Buddy Nix 4:12

by fansince60 on Aug 9, 2011 2:03 PM EDT reply actions  

Chan knows we haven't got the horses yet to make a run.

I thought early on it was interesting that he was emphasizing the quick passes, especially swing passes and screens. And it was astounding to see them go out and get a slasher like Smith for pretty big money.
But maybe it all makes sense now. Chan knows he doesn’t have the OL to sustain 4 seconds of protection for Fitz when he’s throwing against the likes of NE or the Jets. He’s making the only adjustments he can – the only ones available to him – by switching to the quick game, and thowing in gimmick plays like the Wildcat to keep most defenses off balance, and trying to keep his QB from assuming a prone position on every play.
And I do think he’s sending a message about his OL. He’s been around long enough to know if he’s short on players. He may not be sending his message to Nix, but he’s telegraphing it to us – we haven’t got the horses yet to make a run.

by Defensewinsgames on Aug 9, 2011 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

by switching to the quick game, and thowing in gimmick plays like the Wildcat

That’s a band aid on a severed aorta. It compensates for the problem, it doesn’t fix it. “Gimmicks” especially the wildcat are not sustainable game plans. Fixing the OL problem is/was the way to create a sustained and balanced offense. Even with a gimmick or two, what good is the “waterbug” if there is no hole to “scat” through?

If not “yet”, then when do you think it’s appropriate to get the “horses” vs. obtaining shiny “toys” as someone above termed them? When do you buy tires so your sleek Ferrari can come down off the blocks it’s on?

Y'all- There's a "D" in rebuild, but no "O"- The gospel according to Buddy Nix 4:12

by fansince60 on Aug 9, 2011 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

Clearly not this year.

Maybe what some of the professional prognosticators are saying is right – this franchise was in such a dark hole that it will take several years to dig out.
Unfortunately, I’m not sure our ownership has that long to wait. And after Ralph, is it Toronto? Los Angeles? Stickley, Montana?

by Defensewinsgames on Aug 9, 2011 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Way more gaps on D to fill

With the exception of Byrd and Kelsey and Williams, there isnt a starter on D. Thats 8 fresh blood in two years, and lots of depth at DL to boot. They are building the defensive trenches, then the offensive. They have an offensive mind who can work around the lack of talent on the O side, but not the D side. This approach gives us the option to win while we build, and build a winning enviroment while our talent grows.

But your take is good if you like to be pessamistic about everything. I mean, we are in year two of a rebuild….

by NHBillzFan on Aug 9, 2011 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

What team are you following?
With the exception of Byrd and Kelsey and Williams, there isnt a starter on D

I guess you forgot about Dareus and Merriaman, Barnett and Florence! LOL

"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6

by Montel on Aug 9, 2011 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think he meant “returning starter”…at least that’s how I read it.

"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 9, 2011 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

Not that this matters all that much – is Chris Hairston any relation to Carl Hairston?

Perception is reality; but if your perception is off, you live in your own reality. -- perkispower
Unfortunatly, experience doesn't always lead to wisdom - Joe P.

by thefourwinds on Aug 9, 2011 2:05 PM EDT reply actions  

Also

Gailey feels the sun is hot

by tm on Aug 9, 2011 2:18 PM EDT reply actions  

Sigh....

They didn’t see this months ago? Last year? When they were hired?!?! No wonder Buddy Nix has a five year plan to make this a competitive team; it might take him that long to figure out what the biggest needs on this team are!!

I wish this franchise could be proactive in addressing it’s needs….

~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 9, 2011 2:21 PM EDT reply actions   1 recs

And then after that 5-year period, he might realize they need to address the subject of a franchise QB. Then it will be over and a regime will be in town.

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 9, 2011 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

C'mon guys...

Let’s not throw the entire management team under the bus before they play the first preseason game. That’s a little harsh even for jaded and betrayed Bills fans.
At some point you have got to look at the top, the owner, and ask yourself, does this guy really want to win, or just make money?

by Defensewinsgames on Aug 9, 2011 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

now

you cant blame Ralph for the ot situation can you?

not only have I lived thru the ‘ralph is cheap cycle’ (ended w/#78 long ago); but why on earth would a 91 yr old man care about money, much less $ coming from his entertainment team/venue?

by Blood, sweat & Win on Aug 9, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

At 91 you don't change your business plan

And why would he? Ralph has become a very wealthy man, in part due to the way he manages this team. There have been spates where he took the advice of one of his many versions of his management team, and spent a bundle on a Walker or a Dockery or a Bruce Smith, a Jim Kelly, an O.J. But I think when some of those experiments didn’t work out, it sours him. And thus we have the age of Nix born. Buddy is singing the song that Ralph has pined to hear for 60 years: ‘’You can have the winning team you want, AND you don’t need to pay for it.’’
By and large, Ralph prefers the 2nd and 3rd tier free agents and the astounding undrafted free agent that comes along once every 10 years. If Dan Snyder and Jerry Jones are at one end of the spectrum, Ralph is at the other.

by Defensewinsgames on Aug 9, 2011 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

If Ralph was all about the $$ the team would have moves from Buffalo a long time ago to a large market

"That's not how I do it. But, hey, everyone is different , that's why Baskin-Robbins got 31flavors" - Chan Gailey

by Buffalo Stro on Aug 9, 2011 5:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

I understand your thought

& it certainly may be tough to change your business style; but the Bills are not what made Ralph wealthy.

This blog would have been screaming for his head in the 70’s & early 80’s but really Kelly, Smith & Polian broke him of the habit & of course they went on to win quite a bit.

The last decade has been poor mgmt & dec making.

Finally people give Ralph so little credit, most successful people pick up on things such as- “You get what you pay for”, “There are NO free lunches in life”, “Penny wise/pound short”:, etc.. I believe Mr Wilson picked these things up by now. Or simply if it were about $$$ the Bills would be long gone by now.

by Blood, sweat & Win on Aug 9, 2011 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Wait, so we shouldn’t fault the management team, yet the owner is fair game? Isn’t he the top of managment?

In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!

by TheAfghanTwilight on Aug 10, 2011 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions  

You dont

say.

Hey Buddy, think we can give the coach a hand?

by Blood, sweat & Win on Aug 9, 2011 2:32 PM EDT reply actions  

The offensive line has been a problem for 10+ years.

None of the “new” regimes have grasped its importance. Jim Kelly probably would have had less success behind our line. Flutie and Fitz do alright because they were/are also veterans. Guys like Edwards, Losman and Johnson had no chance to succeed.

THE Glory days WILL return and once again the rise of the sleeping BUFFALO WILL take place - abayarde

by Bruce Smith's Shoe on Aug 9, 2011 2:42 PM EDT reply actions  

Agreed

Watch any early 90’s Bills game. The O-Line completely crushes the entire D-line on rushing plays. Sometimes they will push the entire line 3-4 yards into the defensive backfield. They really were amazing.

Definitely a contrast with our current group, where the line of scrimmage appears to be some kind of brick wall much of the time.

by Munchausen on Aug 9, 2011 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

“bills get no depth from wang”

by snakebyte18 on Aug 9, 2011 3:10 PM EDT via mobile reply actions  

Enough said...

If the fans can see it… The coach comes out publicly about it…Hey Buddy, Please don’t let this season be a waste due to obvious needs. I hope you got 325 lb rabbit up your sleeve that can pass and run block. SURPRISE!!

by Dareurush! on Aug 9, 2011 3:12 PM EDT reply actions  

Hope

I’m with u but don’t really see anything happening I love the bills but I can diffenitly see another rough season ahead of us then nix will eIther get luck or a OT in the draft and do absolutely nothing in free agencie as he usually does

by diehard12 on Aug 9, 2011 3:27 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

another one

the Ravens just signed Kyle Calloway

The bandwagon will be full and fast and drunk and exciting - Undee

by poz on Aug 9, 2011 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Not going to lie

I am highly disappointed at the lack of attention to upgrading the OT position as a whole. Understandably it is easier said than done, but I feel this is the one issue nearly every Bills fan can agree with. I just don’t understand why it hasn’t been addressed correctly in the last two years.

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

by nickdaniels on Aug 9, 2011 3:39 PM EDT reply actions  

Not sure it makes anyone feel better

We are not alone on this front. The Steelers are superbowl contenders and they sat on their o-line. It’s arguably worse than ours (and arguably worse than the start of last seasons Steelers o-line). They are rolling with J. Scott at starting LT and Colon at RT who is coming off an achilles injury. And there is nothing behind that. Meanwhile, they have Pouncey and two revolving doors on the interior.

Now maybe it won’t matter, it worked out ok for them last year. But if anyone could have used o-line depth this offseason it had to be the Steelers.

by greysquirrel on Aug 9, 2011 4:00 PM EDT reply actions  

And the Bears

Arguably a worse o-line than ours, and their biggest weakness last year. They added a rookie RT and subtracted a pro-bowl center, kept the other pieces the same…

by greysquirrel on Aug 9, 2011 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

2 years

seriously….two years. This is the second year of a rebuild. Bill Belicheck won 5 games his first year in NE…one more than Gailey. Can we wait until the second year is over to curl into our fetal positions and start crying how bad the oline is??

It seems to me that they build the trenches on the D side first, keep in mind there are 2 starters out of the front 7 from 08…and all the depth is basically young talent. Build the depth on D as they have a guy who can utilize what he has on offense.

They say a good coach gameplans around what he has, he doesnt try to find pieces to fit into his gameplan. Look at NE going into the 4-3 this year with willy and fat albert.

We all need to breathe, relax and let this year play out. They are thin at OT, but i have faith that Chan can gameplan around this and put the team in a position to win.

by NHBillzFan on Aug 9, 2011 4:01 PM EDT reply actions   1 recs

Completely agree with your point

I understand peoples frustrations with the O-Line situation but if you read some posts in this thread, some people have already determined this regime is a failure and can’t rebuild our team. I just can’t understand making that kind of judgement when we have yet to play the first game of the second season of this rebuild. If we’re still talking about the poor state of the O-Line and how they fail to address it in 2 years, then I will 100% agree with the judgement some people are making. At the moment though, it’s way too early to come to a conclusion on Chix’s ability to rebuild this franchise; it’s only been 2 off-seasons and 1 season so far.

Time for the baby to start crawling its way out of the NFL basement - Joe P.

by Towski82 on Aug 9, 2011 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Seriously

There is no way Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey don’t know they need more O-Line talent. They did try and get real help. But at this stage, getting a player from some other team would mean picking up a young player who is as unproven or someone old who needs rehab time.

We will need to wait a few weeks. We get to see what Wang has, if anything. Later on in the pre-season, there will be meaningful cuts form other teams who can help us. And you can be sure we will get someone.

But at that point, OBD will then have a better idea of Wang’s skills, will know the status of Bell, and have a better idea of what they would be willing to pay to fill their need.

Go big or go home.

by jackkemp15 on Aug 9, 2011 4:18 PM EDT reply actions  

McKinnie

Let’s right a wrong and get him! 2.5mill is a fair price. If he’s injured, his experience alone will help. Plus, Bell needs competition.

by phalupah on Aug 9, 2011 4:26 PM EDT via mobile reply actions  

McKinnie

Let’s right a wrong and get him! 2.5mill is a fair price. If he’s injured, his experience alone will help. Plus, Bell needs competition.

by phalupah on Aug 9, 2011 4:27 PM EDT via mobile reply actions  

I don't know

McKinney I don’t know sounds like he’s extremely over weight and having some metal disorders don’t know if he’s someone we want to bring to the revolving door that we have at the oline spot but I understand what your saying just seems like we would be reaching but I don’t know maybe it could help lord knows we need some

by diehard12 on Aug 9, 2011 4:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

Why we're terrible....

We need to sign Mckinney, bottom line. Him being cut was a gift from God to the Bills. I’ve watched us pass on talent for 15 years now, simply because of dumb little reasons like “he showed up to camp overweight.”

The entire division thrives off of guys like these…..

…..Brandon Marshall has a personality disorder

…..Santonio Holmes has law issues

….Junior Seau is too old

Well, guess what, each of these guys were free for the Bills’ taking at one point, and we passed and they wound up in our division. I’m pretty sure each guy has smoked us in recent years.

My point- sign Mckinney!

by CPT Shawn on Aug 9, 2011 7:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

Better than last year ....

Anyone that thing Pears is worse than the unholy trio of Green/Wrotto/Howard – raise your right hand.

Anyone that thinks Wood/Bell/Levitre will be worse than last year, raise your left hand.

The starters are better – the backups need a few more weeks. Be calm.

by zipper on Aug 9, 2011 5:07 PM EDT reply actions   2 recs

this is what should have happened...

2 yrs ago when we were shopping for a new GM, etc…

Ralph SHOULD HAVE:

1. Hired Jim Kelly to be our GM
2. Kept Perry Fewell as HC who in turn WOULD HAVE:

1. Brought in Mike Martz as OC
2. Kept us playing a Tampa 2

Then Jimbo WOULD HAVE:

1. Drafted Tim Tebow, or possibly an OT in 2010
2. Gabbert if no QB in 2010 or JJ Watt or Cam Heyward (depending on if schobel still retired)

We were close before Ralph brought in Buddy. Fewell gave our guys a spark that we needed and they began to rally around him. T.O. would probably still be here with Lee and Stevie (what a tandem). All we needed were a few pieces and we were instant playoff contenders. Poz and Whitner would have been re-signed. We just would have been a better team!

by youngchamp on Aug 9, 2011 5:25 PM EDT reply actions  

Rec'd.

Now attending the Univ. of Hockey.

by bflo on Aug 9, 2011 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

rec'd x 2

The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun

by mob16151 on Aug 9, 2011 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

What is the difference between this year’s and last year’s line. didn’t we get better by signing pears. I know we dont have great OTs, but we were a pretty successful offense last season. And now we have more continuity with the system. although i still believe the OTs need to be improved to be playoff team, they will be much better than last year. If you compare the steelers rebuilding process with ours they are very similar, build a great defense, have an okay o-line and now we hav to draft a franchise QB. while continually upgrading our team.

Fitzmagic

by tomcs on Aug 9, 2011 5:31 PM EDT reply actions  

very serious

you good and well we were not as bad off when p fewell came on board in 09. if we would hv given him a full yr instead of the crap we went through last yr with this regime, i honestly think our team would be better. ralph could hv hired a much better gm than nix: how about someone who knows how to win? like jimbo, cower, etc? but maybe it’s ralph’s fault? maybe he wants too much control?

by youngchamp on Aug 9, 2011 5:42 PM EDT reply actions  

Really

Do you really think that nix was our first choice I’m sure they tries to lure the guys u mentioned but that wouldn’t bite. Unless we start to win games and get this headed in the right direction were going to have a hard time getting those big name guys like the ones you mentioned and I know Kelly helps us out here and there just not sure he wants to be a gm of this team could be wrong

by diehard12 on Aug 9, 2011 5:55 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

Did Kelly want the job?

or are you assuming he did becuase the Broncos hired Elway? I dont recall Jim Kelly’s name being thrown out at the time.

And the Tampa 2 has always been horrible against the run; and never good enough to shut down the NE pass offense, so it was time to try something else.

by NHBillzFan on Aug 9, 2011 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

Don't think so

Don’t believe Jim ever wanted the gm job just think people wish he would. I just wish he would come out of retirement!!!!’

by diehard12 on Aug 9, 2011 6:19 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

HARD TO BELIEVE

Buddy couldn’t find more OT’S thru Free Agency, UDRFA, AFL, CFL, AreanaFL, Ebay, Craigs List, The Penny Saver ! There has to someone, more than one OT out there to bring in at this point to at least see what they have. Its just frustrating seeing nothing being done to help our OT position and depth. Have you checked everywhere Buddy?

by Dareurush! on Aug 9, 2011 7:33 PM EDT reply actions  

Have you seen some other teams tackle situations? It’s a sad state in the NFL, but the overall talent at tackle is very questionable. Their are some good teams that mask very questionable tackles (Colts, Bears, Steelers for example)

I’m not a fan of bringing in someone like McKinnie, I’d rather put our young guys to the test and let them sink or swim.

by lonestar_ak on Aug 9, 2011 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

I tend to agree w/ you. Frustrating!!! I hope we can mask it w/ a lot of screen plays or something. Just eager to get this season started and cheer on THE BUFFALO BILLS!!!!

by Dareurush! on Aug 9, 2011 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nick Cole

Guard from Philly…I think hes still a UFA and a solid Guard if my memory serves me correctly….

by HeHateMe91 on Aug 10, 2011 9:22 AM EDT reply actions  

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