Bills 38, Raiders 35: Charting Playing Time, Offense

by Brian Galliford on Sep 21, 2011 8:30 AM EDT in Buffalo Bills News

This is an experiment that we'll be conducting not only on a weekly basis, but as a running tally throughout the 2011 NFL regular season: keeping track of who is playing where for the Buffalo Bills. The premise is simple: we're simply going to keep track of the number of reps each Bills player takes during regular season play to get a strong idea of how the Bills use personnel.

In the Bills' 38-35 Week 2 win over the Oakland Raiders, Buffalo's starting offense was on the field for 71 plays - and they needed every last one of them to eke out a huge win at home. The team was a bit beat up, particularly at receiver and along the offensive line, but managed to score five touchdowns on five second half possessions to seal the victory.

Take a look at the rep breakdown after the jump. A clear pattern is emerging after two weeks: Chan Gailey likes four-receiver formations.

Aside from right guard, the offensive line was able to go every snap in a close ball game - a luxury the Bills did not enjoy at the beginning of the 2010 season, when the line was in a state of flux that only worsened as the year progressed. When Kraig Urbik went down in the second quarter, Chad Rinehart slid right in at right guard, and the offense very obviously did not miss a beat.

Name	Pos.	Reps	PT%
Demetrius Bell	LT	71/71	100.0%
Andy Levitre	LG	71/71	100.0%
Eric Wood	C	71/71	100.0%
Kraig Urbik	RG	22/71	31.0%
Chad Rinehart	RG	49/71	69.0%
Erik Pears	RT	71/71	100.0%

As for skill position players, thanks to the implementation of the Wildcat, not one single skill player played every snap in this contest - though several were close. Clearly, Fred Jackson is a higher rep priority than C.J. Spiller is at this point, though that could change slightly after Spiller's strong performance in Week 2. Meanwhile, despite losing Roscoe Parrish in this game, the Bills were still predominantly a four-receiver team, with Ruvell Martin logging more playing time than Spiller - and just less than tight end Scott Chandler - in over a half's worth of work.

Name	Pos.	Reps	PT%	Stats
Ryan Fitzpatrick	QB	69/71	97.2%	28-46, 264 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Brad Smith	QB	8/71	11.3%	3 carries, 14 yards
Fred Jackson	RB	60/71	84.5%	15 carries, 117 yards, 2 TD; 2 catches, 23 yards
C.J. Spiller	RB	15/71	21.1%	4 carries, 63 yards; 1 catch, 6 yards
Corey McIntyre	FB	3/71	4.2%
Stevie Johnson	WR	66/71	93.0%	8 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD
Donald Jones	WR	69/71	97.2%	4 catches, 24 yards
Roscoe Parrish	WR	13/71	18.3%	1 catch, 16 yards
David Nelson	WR	60/71	84.5%	10 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD
Ruvell Martin	WR	26/71	36.6%
Scott Chandler	TE	33/71	46.5%	2 catches, 16 yards, 1 TD
David Martin	TE	3/71	4.2%

Of the 18 offensive players that saw action in this game, here's how the entire unit stacked up in terms of number of reps. This will give you an idea of the types of formations Gailey favored on the afternoon. Hint: he likes receivers, then mixes tight ends, running backs and Wildcat quarterback Brad Smith into the equation. But there is definitely a bread-and-butter formation brewing in Buffalo.

Name	Pos.	Reps	PT%
Demetrius Bell	LT	71/71	100.0%
Andy Levitre	LG	71/71	100.0%
Eric Wood	C	71/71	100.0%
Erik Pears	RT	71/71	100.0%
Ryan Fitzpatrick	QB	69/71	97.2%
Donald Jones	WR	69/71	97.2%
Stevie Johnson	WR	66/71	93.0%
Fred Jackson	RB	60/71	84.5%
David Nelson	WR	60/71	84.5%
Chad Rinehart	RG	49/71	69.0%
Scott Chandler	TE	33/71	46.5%
Ruvell Martin	WR	26/71	36.6%
Kraig Urbik	RG	22/71	31.0%
C.J. Spiller	RB	15/71	21.1%
Roscoe Parrish	WR	13/71	18.3%
Brad Smith	QB	8/71	11.3%
Corey McIntyre	FB	3/71	4.2%
David Martin	TE	3/71	4.2%

Tweet Comment 30 comments | 1 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

It should also be noted that Stevie Johnson’s groin injury and cramping still only took him out of the game for five snaps.

Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings

by MattRichWarren on Sep 21, 2011 8:39 AM EDT reply actions

Three, actually. He was out for two goal line reps earlier in the game.

Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Sep 21, 2011 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions

And there ya go.

Tweet
Buffalo Rumblings

by MattRichWarren on Sep 21, 2011 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Brian

I think CJ Spiller could do very well in Roscoe’s role in the slot. You think he could be that option for the rest of the season? Obviously David Nelson will be the slot receiver, but Spiller at the fourth receiver role looks good for me. No reason to ruvell Martin play more than CJ. Thoughts please.

by Fernando brazil on Sep 21, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions

You’ll see Spiller play more, but not as the fourth receiver in four-wide sets. You’ll just see more use of certain personnel packages that feature Spiller.

Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Sep 21, 2011 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions

Just so it doesn't become predictable.

I like that CJ was in for 15 plays but only got the ball 5 times. Otherwise, the defenses will know if he’s on the field he’s getting the ball.

Brad Smith needs to be given more to do. I think he needs to be a decoy receiver more often, and I’d like him to try more passes, too.

The user formerly known as "PaperBagHeads."

"Nick Barnett is everywhere. He is behind you right now." -- Munchausen

by ChuckBuffInFlo on Sep 21, 2011 8:57 AM EDT reply actions

This ain't right, and hopefully changes Sunday

with Ruvell Martin logging more playing time than Spiller

by Sluss88 on Sep 21, 2011 9:05 AM EDT reply actions

Such versatility

The 4 WR look the Bills employ is very versatile due to the type of receivers the Bills utilize. Johnson, Jones, and Nelson are all considered very good blocking receivers. Throw Jackson in the mix when he lines up at WR and the Bills have excellent, and unusually strong blockers at the WR positions.

This set takes Bellicheck’s 2 TE sets to a different level. With Nelson being used as a pseudo receiving TE Or H-back on many occasions, he is in reality the Bills version of Aaron Hernandez, Nelson’s former U Florida teammate. Nelson may be listed as a WR, but the fact he is a hybrid player became crystal clear as he lined up as a blocker in the backfield during the Oakland game.

I realize Jones has been established as one of our outside receivers, but I would love to see Jones be able to slide inside as another slot receiver in 4 WR looks. Nelson and Jones in the slot would give the Bills a lot of size, strength, and blocking ability in a 4WR look. I am curious to see whether the Bills will utilize Namaan in the slot or will on occasion line Namaan up outside and slide Jones into the slot to get favorable matchups for Jones, who would likely be more of a playmaker out of the slot. Personally I prefer having namaan or Smith outside to free Jones up to work the slot and assume Parrish’s “playmaker” role. Jones matched up with safeties and LB’s would make Fitzy smile.

by WhatGoesAround on Sep 21, 2011 9:29 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Brad Smith, there is no proof, but

there has to be more to his resume than what we have seen. Our third down effeciency wasn’t good last year, but it wasn’t catestrophic either. To think Chan would want this guy and the Bills to pay what they did for him that there would be more up their sleeves. Maybe I am wrong, because his third down coversion stat is pretty darn good to have, but I wouldn’t be surprised that there is something brewing in this Wild Cat offense that Chan has in mind. It just may not have been exposed yet and there is not time better than this weekend to let the cat out of the bag.

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 Sep 21, 2011 9:31 AM EDT reply actions

On a 3rd & 20-something, Smith ran a trick play – he was lined up at receiver, Fitzpatrick lateraled to him, and Smith had David Nelson wide open at the first down marker, but he didn’t pull the trigger. There was another receiver in the vicinity, and by the time the other receiver vacated, Smith was being harassed. That’s not on Smith; it was poor execution by the two receivers.

Smith was never going to be a constant field presence, but they’re getting value out of him, for sure.

Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Sep 21, 2011 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions

I remember that play...

and screaming from my couch at him to throw the ball!!!! It could have been a perfect play. When Fitz lateraled, the DBs all bit on run, leaving the WRs all alone out there. I’d imagine he got some razing in the film room on Monday over it, and won’t make the same mistake again…

Optimistic??? Of course I am!! I'm a Bills fan, and as of right now, we are undefeated on the regular season!!!
Things are truly looking up!!!

by Cinga on Sep 21, 2011 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, but Smith just needs to throw it anyway. They were punting on the next play. What’s the worst that could happen.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 21, 2011 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions

… an interception.

Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Sep 21, 2011 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions

With two wide outs in one area nor being covered by a guy within like ten yards. An int would of been a pretty bad throw imo.

"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 Sep 21, 2011 10:54 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Brad Smith is very capable of bad throws.

Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford

by Brian Galliford on Sep 21, 2011 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions

This. And if there are two WRs in the area a ball is being thrown, one is likely to cause the ball to do some unfortunate things.

"Go check on the ribs!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Sep 21, 2011 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes, but my point is: It’s 3rd and 20! You are punting no matter what on the next play…so….throw it. If there is a bad/negative play, who cares! He needs to know that on that play. Throw it out there and see what happens.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 21, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions

I think most of us would consider a 20 yard punt a bad play.

It would be OK if it was a longer distance maybe, but just trying to force a ball on 3rd and 20 on our side of the field isn’t very helpful to our D.

"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop

by lonestar_ak on Sep 21, 2011 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Um….the routes were well downfield. Throw it to the goal line and see what happens. Just because it was third and 20 doesn’t mean you only can throw it 20 yards.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 21, 2011 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions

On a 3rd & 20-something, Smith ran a trick play – he was lined up at receiver, Fitzpatrick lateraled to him, and Smith had David Nelson wide open at the first down marker, but he didn’t pull the trigger

This was the play we were discussing, so the receiver in question was 20 yards downfield.

"I got no problem with 7-9 coming off of 4-12 as long as I don't buy a couch there, you got to keep moving" - Mike Schoop

by lonestar_ak on Sep 21, 2011 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions

How would a long interception on 3rd and 20 have been a bad play? You are going to punt. So if you 30+ yards downfield there, you flip the field to a degree (maybe not the same as a punt) so it’s worth the gamble (and it wasn’t that much of a gamble based on a replay).

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 21, 2011 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions

his third down coversion stat is pretty darn good to have

it’s a money stat if you ask me. If it’s 3rd and short or anything and short he’s going to pick that up more times than not – that’s huge. The NFL is about first downs and he’s almost automatic there. It’s awesome

11 years of losing has taught me just a smidge of humility. - k8

by J2 on Sep 21, 2011 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Sometimes he even does it on 2nd down :)

by zoomer02 on Sep 21, 2011 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree

The man is very talented, don’t want to take that away from him. Still this was the surprise FA signing that noone expected, I could be wrong, but I am expecting a little bit more from him. This play Brian mentioned above, I missed it totally, but I know that Chan now has it on tape. I guess, I am a little skeptical about the whole wildcat thing. I don’t like taking the QB out of the play and the league has grown to adjust to wild cat formations. Originally, it busted out huge plays, now it is being used for third and short. There has to be something more and I got to believe that Chan has been working on this since he arrived in camp or even before that.

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 Sep 21, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Still this was the surprise FA signing that noone expected

You have to understand the agreement that Chan and Buddy has: Buddy does personell, but Chan gets one interesting new toy every season. Last year it was CJ, this year he got Brad.

by cmeid on Sep 21, 2011 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Despite much of the fan frustration at Gailey’s rotation of O-linemen during games last year, it’s pretty safe to say he made a wise move, allowing Wood and Bell to get healthy over the course of last season. It seems to be really paying off now.

Once again, it’s frustrating this year to see Merriman not playing much and not having much pass-rushing impact (he only had one run where I saw him lose contain because he anticipated the play a bit too much and McFadden got to the outside after Merriman headed towards the middle, but he’s been really good against the run in general), but I think Gailey is wise for rotating Merriman in and out. Let’s hope it pays off for Merriman sooner than next season.

Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
No one circles the waiver wire like the Buffalo Bills!

by thefourwinds on Sep 21, 2011 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

Having Brad Smith on the field more with the absence of Roscoe would be a good idea. He is a capable WR and his presence would mean the DC would have to keep an eye on him. I think it opens options up for the O about as much as having Roscoe on the field.

by BillsfanDan on Sep 21, 2011 12:04 PM EDT reply actions

How often is Fitz out onthe field for wildcat plays? I saw one time where he was lined up as receiver but what about the others? Personally that scares me..I know hes tough as nails but think that is putting unnecessary risk on our Amish savior.

In case your wondering....it says F*** boston

by BLO 2 VT 2 TPA on Sep 21, 2011 2:15 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

is it just me...

Or is McIntyre getting phased out of the offense? Why have a fullback when he only plays 3 snaps? Seems like he’s only there for goalline snaps perhaps, but wouldn’t it make more sense to have a third te/h-back for that purpose to free up a roster spot for someone else?

by bizarro bills on Sep 22, 2011 7:42 AM EDT via mobile reply actions