State Of The Buffalo Bills' Offensive Line
by Ron From NM on Sep 6, 2011 8:30 AM EDT
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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The state of the Buffalo Bills' offensive line can be boiled down to one word: chaotic.
Going into the off-season, it looked like the left side of the line was more or less settled and the right side would be a question mark. It turned out that Kraig Urbik (right guard) and Erik Pears (right tackle) faced zero meaningful competition through the abbreviated pre-season. They, along with Eric Wood (center), have been locked in with the starting unit since day one.
Meanwhile, the left side of the line began to experience upheaval during training camp. Andy Levitre (left guard) unceremoniously lost reps with the starters in favor of Chad Rinehart. A few days later, Levitre was deemed good enough to take starting reps from Demetrius Bell at left tackle. Levitre went from possibly losing his starting guard gig to being good enough to be the starting left tackle - and then good enough to start at either guard or tackle, depending on how Bell fared.
Perhaps it was an uncommon motivational technique. If so, it did seem to pay dividends, as Bell and Levitre finished the pre-season reasonably well. It looked as though the Bills would undertake the 2011 season with Bell, Levitre, Wood, Urbik and Pears as the starting offensive line quintet.
Now comes new word from Chan Gailey:
BuffaloBills.com asked head coach Chan Gailey specifically if Demetrius Bell was the team's starting left tackle. Here was coach's response.
"We have not decided exactly which way we're going to go with that, but that looks like it's going to be (that way)," said Gailey. "We'll announce all that on Wednesday, exactly where we're going with all that. We know where we're going."
That's as clear as mud. Reading between the lines, it looks as though Bell will start the year, but will be on a short hook. It wouldn't be remotely shocking if the team gave Chris Hairston a few reps, and possibly even a series or two, in Kansas City.
In other news, Michael Jasper has apparently got a new gig.
"We think he's a very good athlete," said Gailey. "We like Mike Jasper. We like his work ethic and athletic ability. We just think he'll be a better offensive player in the long run. We moved him over there and he was agreeable to it and he actually was looking forward to it and I think he was excited about the opportunity."
Jasper lined up at right tackle in practice Monday.
The Bills didn't address the offensive line in the off-season beyond drafting Hairston in the fourth round, and it looks like he will be pressed into service. As the Bills have a history of cutting the recently benched (see: Edwards, Trent), it wouldn't be a complete surprise to see Bell released if Hairston takes his job. As the Bills currently have only Hairston in reserve, someone else needs to be riding the pine. It looks like Gailey may have his eye on Jasper.
An injury to either current starting tackle (Bell and Pears) or a benching-cum-cutting of Bell could make for a wild ride.
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The state of the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line can be boiled down to one word: chaotic.
I can see you going through a whole list of other adjectives for this description. Chaotic is probably the best one-word summation.
I am with the group that believes the O-Line is the biggest deciding factor that will take us up or down the rankings.
.
Year two is upon us.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Sep 6, 2011 8:39 AM EDT reply actions
At least we have a dependable backup in Geoff Hangartner...
Oh, wait, no, he’ll be the starting guard for the Carolina Panthers this weekend (due to their starting guard and a backup being injured.)
But I’m sure we couldn’t have used him as a backup guard/center…especially considering the Bills do not have any real backup to Eric Wood at the center position.
Yes, I get the fact that the Bills want to get bigger everywhere, especially on the lines, but, do you really need to cut the best backup option we have at 3 different positions?
(Ok, I’ll stop ranting about Hangartner now….had to get it in one more time after the developments with Carolina starting him….at guard.)
"WHEN THE WAGON BLASTER TAKES OFF dont try to get in. THE SPACESES ARE LIMITED FOR WINNING ATTITUDE GODZILLA IS COMING GET READY" - abayarde
Like many here
I’m excited about the thought of Jasper developing into an O-Line talent at some point.
I think most people on this chain are excited about the thought of seeing Jasper develop into any talent. But I agree that this is a good developmental move for both him and the team. With a high pick in Troup and Heard ahead in the depth chart, the chances of Jasper making an impact at NT are virtually nil. The man has the size and athleticism, so if he can perfect his technique it’ll bode pretty well for him and the team considering the lack of depth on the O-line. I expect that it’ll be interesting to hear of his progress in the next 3-4 weeks.
I also think that the Bills are going to be an improved team this year, but not a contender. Nix has done a ridiculous job turning over this roster over the past 2 offseasons, but we’re not quite there…yet. In agreement with Ron, I also anticipate to see Hairston (and eventually Jasper) in there if any struggles rear their heads. They will be raw as rookies and probably get Fitz killed a couple more times than a steady vet like Hangartner would, but if they have the upside, it needs to be developed cause that’s how you improve your team.
jasper
Isn’t he still on the practice squad?
CC Infantino
Yes.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Sep 6, 2011 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions
and he has been switched to the offensive side of the ball
practiced for the first time as the Right Tackle. First time as a Bill.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
To quote a favorite movie of mine...
“Go away or I’ll call the Brute Squad.
“I’m on the brute squad.
“You ARE the brute squad. Come on in.
We don’t need an offensive line… we’ve got Jasper!
If there ever was a role
For Mr. Jasper it’s filling Andre the Giant’s shoes.
typing with a cast on your hand really sucks.
Buffalo Bills home jersey Blue by the way…only color I would get
2011-Things are Looking Up!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Buddy
This is not a team loaded with talent figuring out how to use it best. They are trying to find the “least bad” to use the players on hand. It’s even worse when you consider half the OL’s effectiveness comes from playing as an experienced unit. We’ll learn how good Wood can coordinate this motley crew. But expect many blown assignments in blitz situations (one defensive player doubled while another comes free). This will also serve to limit Spiller’s time on the field, as the last thing the team needs in a RB incapable of supporting as a blocker. It will be miraculous if Fitz survives the season whole.
Maybe we shouldn’t worry, there are 31 practice squads to poach new talent from.
O line is the only spot on this team
he hasn’t really addressed besides picking up players cut from other teams is the o line. That very well shows you how much upside he sees in this line….sure they have some issues now, but they are all still very young. If they develop like we all hope they will, then damn we will have a solid line for years to come….just takes a little time
by Bestbillieve86 on Sep 6, 2011 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
it could well be
Old school motivation maybe those two showed up at camp. Thinking they where going to start and weren’t putting in the work Chan wanted from them. It’s the old so you think you’re a starter just be aide you were here last year trick. My high school coach was like that. You know what though it sends a message to the whole team. Better come here every day hungry like a wolf or not at all.
by Khavens on Sep 6, 2011 9:16 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I thought
Bell played his a— off in that jacksonville game after he was set with the challenge. First time in his career he has actually been challenged for his spot, so hopefully that pushes him to play his best . This would allow Chix to see if he can be the tackle we want for the future or to finally give up on him
by Bestbillieve86 on Sep 6, 2011 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
The starters going into camp are the starters coming out of camp. I think the ‘competition’ at LG and LT was more motivational for sub-par performances at certain points of training camp (and trying to figure out who the backup LT would be since I think they determined early that Wang wasn’t going to be that guy). For whatever reason Gailey is being coy about Bell right now. I don’t see any way he’s not the LT on Sunday.
The reserves aren’t that much of a surprise either, particularly if you bought into the team wanting more size in the middle. (The real surprise to me was keeping just 8 OL and not picking a player up on waivers. I’m glad they didn’t keep Howard or Wrotto for the sake of keeping numbers.)
I don’t see a whole lot of chaos – what we’re seeing now is pretty much what we should have expected 6 weeks ago. Now overall talent is another story.
Having 10 LBs on the roster means the OL needs to go with 8. Some of this OL ‘cross-training’ is meant to give us enough flexibility to allow that number (8) to be used most effectively.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Colin Brown begin to take a few reps at RT – and Pears at LT. Interchangeable parts – the extent possible.
I think Ron’s take was probably a bit more eloquent.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Sep 6, 2011 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
But our defense is looking real good on paper and we got some potential
skill players on offense that have opportunites to make big names for themselves, names they wouldn’t have had the opportunity to make on thier previous teams.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
How many games
Did this lineup start last yr? How did they do?
This five-man unit did not start a game together last year, nor did they play a single rep together in a game.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Sep 6, 2011 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought the undisputed arguement was the fact that the team didn't bring in any competition for Bell.
Today, they have competition in Andy LeVetrie and Chris Hariston and our offensive line is chaotic. IMO it doesn’t become chaotic until Bell is replaced. If we would of drafted an OT high in the draft or signed Clady from the Falcons the competition would of been more clear for D.Bell but that is not the case. Left Tackle is Demetrice Bell’s position to lose and that caveat needs to be in place every single day going into the season. That is what having competition is all about and is exactly what Gailey has established. This is what we wanted, it is not chaotic……………yet.
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 6, 2011 9:35 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
What is Gailey supposed to do?
His hand was dealt by Nix so that’s what he has to work with. He is just trying to make it better any way he can. There are not that many highly talented linemen available either so competition and teaching are the only ways to improve.
I think this is a key...
and we may be overlooking it:
…competition and teaching are the only ways to improve.
I don’t know what is going on in practice everyday, but I would bet these 5 guys are working with the OL Coach on getting their timing and coordination to improve. I “Bill-ieve” we will see more progress that some folks may be thinking right now.
We’ve waited this long whats another year? hahahaha
- PaullyPforPrez
by ChuckBuffInFlo on Sep 6, 2011 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
"Chaotic" is Way Too Strong a Word
There was a sharply abbreviated offseason this year, which meant that the coaching staff had to do all their normal experimenting with the o-line within a relatively short period of time. That has been true for most other teams as well.
At this point, everything is stable on the Bills’ o-line except for LT. All the starters from Levitre over to Pears are secure in their positions. No chaos there. There is also a good back-up for the interior o-line in Chad Rinehart and behind him Colin Brown. No problem there either.
It’s true that Bell had a very disappointing couple of games in the preseason and for that reason Gailey is keeping him on a short leash to motivate him, but the likelihood is that Bell will return to the level of play he maintained last year, which was at least adequate. I think it very unlikely that Hairston will replace him (among other things Hairston is better suited for RT at the NFL level), but if that happens Bell would surely be kept as the reserve swing OT. So again, I think that situation is looking reasonably stable — certainly not chaotic.
The huge problem, in my view, is what would happen if one or both of our starting OT’s got injured. Hairston is still a raw rookie. He may be fine in a year or so, but if he has to become a starter this year a lot of pass rushers going up against the Bills are going to be padding their stats. In effect, we have no real reserve player at the position, and that could prove a fatal vulnerability for the offense if bad luck descends in the form of injury.
Offensive Offense
IMO defense is much better this year but offense is going to be worse. Bills are going to rue the day they traded Evans. Fans have been screaming for the past ten years for management to fix the offensive line and it is still a problem. Hope Fitzpatick has good health insurance as he may need it.
Personally, I see very little talent and not much upside for this group. I get the sense that Gailey agrees and that’s the reason for the scrambling and muddy statements. My fear is that this group will be so bad that it undermines the development of the entire offense in 2011. In just five days all the predictions go out the window, but my prediction is that this will be one of the worst lines we’ve seen in Buffalo in some time. OBD has failed Gailey here in my opinion.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Sep 6, 2011 10:02 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Huh?
Woods is a definite upgrade over Hangartner at Center. Pears is a big upgrade over Cornell Green and all of his successors last year at RT. Urbik is big and strong and could be very good at RG. Levitre and Bell are likely going to be at least the same as last year.
I’m not saying that this is going to be one of the better o-lines in the league, but I don’t see how it isn’t a step up from last year — and also from the miserable lines we have witnessed over the past decade.
by Macktruck on Sep 6, 2011 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Thats how I feel too. It doesn’t get much focus on the board but the Wood-Urbik-Pears combo looks to be working out nicely. Levitre’s run-blocking has left something to be desired, hence the Rhino experiment. And Bell clearly struggled in Denver. But if Levitre and Bell can do what they did last year, I hope we can actually have a better line. Add in the fact that I like Rhinehart as the top reserve at guard better than Howard last year. And I like Hairston as the top reserve at tackle better than Howard/Wrotto/Wang.
Did we get a big free agent or draft a tackle on day one? No. But that doesnt mean they didnt make some progress.
Sort of feels like if the Bills don’t experiment on the line, its decried as not having competition and when they do its a break in consistency and meddling. I kind of wish line evaluations were more detailed and less melodramatic. It too often results in really just base accusations about who is good who is not and what round they were drafted in. I’m looking forward to having a more systematic analysis from Ron during the season. That should at least help focus our ire.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Sep 6, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
What is your detailed, less melodramatic analysis for stating how the Wood-Urbik-Pears combo is working out nicely? Are you using the evidence that Gailey has left in tact for all of training camp? That’s reasonable, but it’s also reasonable to view the shuffling, unsettled nature of the left side to be a cry for help from Gailey.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
Evaluating their play snap-by-snap. Like Ron does during the season. There was a cry for ‘competition’ for Urbik and befuddlement at shuffling Levitre in and out. But when I tried and really evaluate the line play, I actually found Urbik to be outplaying Levitre, Pears to be holding his own. Maybe not everyone would see the same thing, but thats what I saw. When Urbik makes a mistake, these boards were calling for ‘competition’ for his spot. But there was very little talk about Levitre or Wood having a rough game (and they did). I think without the detailed analysis from Ron, the narrative can easily stray from the reality.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Sep 6, 2011 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I haven’t missed many snaps myself…neither has Gailey. We’ll see soon enough.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
I think what I’ve outlined is consistent with how Gailey acted. I’m less clear on how it is consistent with the o-line being significantly worse than last year.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Sep 6, 2011 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Levitre
I don’t think Levitre was ever in danger of losing his starting status. Gailey was moving him to tackle to see if he was a better option than Bell
Which tells me Bell isn’t the team’s long-term LT.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Sep 6, 2011 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I do, Levitre’s run-blocking left something to be desired this preseason.
I have low expectations. But high hopes.
by greysquirrel on Sep 6, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
We all would love to have a line as good as New Englands wouldn't we.
But the fact remains that New England has a Hall of Fame QB, along with numerous other positions that do not need upgrading, they are actually to trhe point that whenever they cut someone, another team scoops him up so fast he doen’t even have a chance to pack his bag.
Buffalo on the othe hand had and has holes absolutley everywhere, and for people to think that we can just fill these hole immediatley is almost nieve. Buddy has had 2 drafts and with those drafts he has grabbed us legitmitly 8 solid roster players if not more. he can’t uproot an entire roster in 2 years this stuff takes time. he obviously feels that OL was the least of The Bills problems when he took over. The fact that the Bills had drafted Wood, Levitre, signed Hang, drafted Bell the line when you look at it wasn’t doing to bad at the timer yeah we needed a RT so he signed 1, it didn’t work so he did it the only other way by picking up released/waivered players and tried to fill spots. He put his attention on our DL which was in absolute shambles and now we actually have a very very fomidable DL. So now that we have addressed the majority (key word being majority) of the issues on this football team, his attention will be turned to our OL.
We all want to win the superbowl but we aren’t willing to give it time, just take a breath and close your eyes and before you know it the Bills will be contending. You can’t clean up a train wreck over night.
"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
Jasper
I think he becomes the team’s new pet project on offense. Perhaps they hope to strike gold with him, finding a way to keep him regardless of schematic fit. He did play a fair amount of OL in college, and he is fast enough to set the edge on running plays.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Sep 6, 2011 10:26 AM EDT reply actions
We have not decided exactly which way we’re going to go with that
Cagey ‘ol Chan! Dropping such gems 5 days before the season. What a beautiful smokescreen. KC ’s going to relax, thinking we haven’t got a clue. Genius, I tell ya.
Next, he’ll be telling the press he’s given up vests….what a kidder. He cracks me up.
Y'all- There's a "D" in rebuild, but no "O"- The gospel according to Buddy Nix 4:12
He also mentioned that they know where they want to go.
That is the part that confuses me. I see Chris Hairston at least a year away and then it would be growing pains all over again on the left side. Andy LeVetrie may, I say may be an upgrade at left tackle but he is not the size we want and size is important whether we like it or not.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
knowing where you want to go and getting there are 2 different things. Seriously, I commend him for recognizing the situation (finally). I do not believe their approach was correct. All this uncertainty plus marginal talent does not bode well. We have read/made countless remarks about this for 9 months. It is quite disturbing that 5 days from the season, the situation (by his own admission) is in a state of flux.
What good is all the skilled position talent in the world if you do not have the horses to execute? Fitz has enough problems without a “chaotic” situation for an OL.
I just do not understand the logic. I’ve asked it before, what do they see in the OL talent they have that has caused them to turn a blind eye to alternatives? And now, they are questioning themselves on the subject. I just don’t get it and I know I’ll get slapped around for being “negative”, but, comments like “we have not decided” 5 days before battle do not win me over or convince me I am wrong.
It’s just more fuel for the “what a joke this franchise is” camp. it’s sad and it makes me made.
Y'all- There's a "D" in rebuild, but no "O"- The gospel according to Buddy Nix 4:12
by fansince60 on Sep 6, 2011 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
his comments due offer some conclusion on what they want and where they are going to go.
It doesn’t justify what has been done. That my friend we cannot control. I am very curious what Chan and Nix have up thier sleve. Still I don’t view this situation as chaotic, not even close to chaotic. Adequate yes, Average yes, above average more yes than no, Whether LeVetrie moves over and Rinehart steps in would be a direction Chan may go, to them that would be an improvement to what we have, with Bell replacing Rinehart as the main reserve. If that doesn’t happen then IMO the alternatives would be worse.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
Wednesday's Whisper
Could be they are negotiating with a just cut/retired veteran LT who may come in and replace him? Who is available?
Go big or go home.
“competition” at left tackle in the form of a rookie developmental right tackle prospect and an NFL career guard makes “chaotic” the perfect word – especially when that guard is supposed to be focusing on nailing down a gig somewhere else on the line – perfectly stated Brian.
This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill
I didn’t write the article, friend. :)
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
@BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Sep 6, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
jasper....
They moved him to OT because we need help there yes, but also because Kellen Heard showed he is a player. We would all be laughing about hoiw huge Kellen heard is if it weren’t for Jasper.
Heard may actually get a chance to play a few downs (though I doubt it) if terrel tropu’s hand is deemed unsatisfactory by Bills doctors. I would like to see how he would do against other starters, I think very well….(I also would like to see how troup’s doing come to think of it.)
go bills!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
I think moving Jasper to the offensive side of the ball affords the team a greater opportunity to keep him around. There were going to be less chances for him to make it with Williams and Dareus starting, and Spencer Johnson behind them.
Jasper is very familiar with being an o-lineman, so I think it works about best to do this. Plus, if he pans out and makes the active roster, it’s a much easier transition to slide him out as a TE or shift him to the backfield as the lead FB.
Dreams and such. But I think the team is going to do whatever they can to make sure Jasper sticks with them.
In the year two thousaaaaaaand.
In the year two thousAAAAAAND!
by TheAfghanTwilight on Sep 6, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Certainly the biggest ?
heading into the season.
OBD is high on the rookie, which explains a little. Pears also may pan out which would explain a bit more. But in Buddys defense, there simply are not many starting quality tackles available, especially younger(<30) ones. And it doesn’t appear anyone is giving them away for draft picks.
"Alright Men, lets go out there, bust um in the chops & get somebody bloody. Keep working till you get it right. Take the W in battle & make the Bills Nation Proud."
by Blood, sweat & Win on Sep 6, 2011 11:57 AM EDT reply actions
It starts at Center -- and at least that is SOLID as WOOD
I love the move of Woods to his natural spot where he can call out schemes and develop a solid chemistry w/ Fitzie. I don’t think we are any worse this year in terms of our starters, but depth certainly appears to be worse. My thinking is Fitzie will make even better pre-snap reads this year than last, Woods will help with his calls and overall better play than Hang at center. We may actually see a lot of I formation this year and try to bulldoze some folks for a change. Even though we have no great talent at the position, I think Scott Chandler could have have 45-50 catches this year and prove once again that Gailey really is a crafty play caller and will go make teams have to at least think about that position.
by AlwaysaBillinPhilly on Sep 6, 2011 11:58 AM EDT reply actions
Hilarious!
We have not decided exactly which way we’re going to go with that,… We know where we’re going."
This classic quote is a keeper.
Colin Brown...Pancreas Yellow...
ya, left me with my jaw opened.
There are some major pieces missing in that statement.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
As Yogi said, “when you come to a fork in the road, take it”! Chan is simply taking the fork in the road….
Y'all- There's a "D" in rebuild, but no "O"- The gospel according to Buddy Nix 4:12
by fansince60 on Sep 6, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Someone tell Chan there is only one yogi.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
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