Chan Gailey: Buffalo Bills Moving Back To A 4-3 Defense
by Brian Galliford on Jan 30, 2012 3:20 PM EST
in Buffalo Bills News
Email
PrintIn a press conference announcing new coaching hires on Monday, Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey confirmed that the team will be operating out of a base 4-3 defense under new coordinator Dave Wannstedt.
Gailey would go no further than that, stating that the team - like every NFL teams these days - will continue to employ even and odd fronts. He added further confirmation that the base defense would be a 4-3, however, when he told reporters that Kelvin Sheppard would man the middle of that front.
This move is surprising only in the sense that GM Buddy Nix and Gailey made the switch to the 3-4 defense just two years ago; that project appears to have been officially scrapped. It's completely unsurprising - i.e. totally expected - in that Wannstedt has never coordinated a defense other than the 4-3, and in that the Bills didn't really have ideal 3-4 personnel anyway, even after two years' worth of attempts to change that.
What will the Bills' depth chart look like making the switch to the 4-3? This is a good place to start those discussions.
154 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I couldn’t be more excited about this switch. I think this was the plan all along and am glad that we’re finally on the right track. I see at least a 10 spot jump in the defensive standings and fear from our divisional rivals.
Kudos to OBD and kudos to Chan and Buddy for doing the right thing!
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Jan 30, 2012 3:23 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Two Words...
Jairus Byrd
Byrd had all those interceptions in his rookie season while operating out of a 4-3 base. Over the past two seasons, he has become a more well-rounded player, but I’m hoping his 4-3 duties allow him to be more of a ball hawk in 2012.
I
AM
PSYCHED!
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Jan 30, 2012 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
Do you think it was the 4-3 base of the fact that he was freely moving in space in the Tampa-2 scheme? I think it was more a product of the Tampa-2, though I hope I’m wrong.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
Byrd’s rookie picks had more to do with Sanchez, Delhomme, and one other crappy QB than it had do with anything else.
by PineWoodsBillsFan on Jan 30, 2012 4:27 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Wasn't it the schobels last year
Or the last year we had a pass rush
The responsibilities of a free safety don’t typically change based on defensive scheme. If Byrd’s INT total increases, it’ll be because the Bills are a) getting more pressure on quarterbacks, b) playing a ton of crappy quarterbacks, or c) both.
Editor-in-Chief, BUFFALO RUMBLINGS®
Follow @BrianGalliford
by Brian Galliford on Jan 30, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Thanks for the clarification.
I’m not an expert on the Xs and Os of football. I thought I had read a few years back that Byrd’s sophomore interception slump was due to the move to a 3-4. From what I understood, his duties changed. He was no longer roaming deep in the middle lurking for passes, but was instead targeting specific areas of the field and covering a lot of runs. Am I mistaken?
So, with a change to 4-3, is there a chance that he’ll roam the middle of the field again? If not, can someone explain what his duties will likely be?
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Jan 30, 2012 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
INTs are also highly variable from year to year, because there’s a lot of luck involved on where those tipped balls end up. Ed Reed’s last four totals are 9-3-8-3. So it swings. Byrd’s got good instincts and good hands, so I think no matter what scheme we have, he’ll have a bountiful career back there.
BTW
I’m all for this switch. I believe the Giants found the blueprint to defeating the pass-happy teams in the league in the 2007 Super Bowl. Buffalo’s switch to the 4-3 gives them more ability to add pass rushers like JPP, and stack up on them.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Only in body type
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Definitely
The way to beat a pass happy offense is to get pressure on the QB. Give a QB all day to throw, and even Matt Moore will look like Tom Brady. I think the pass rush will be greatly improved just by going back to the 4-3. Now, if they can hit a home run on a pass rusher in the draft…
by SiriusRed on Jan 30, 2012 4:16 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
And why couldn't they do that before?
What makes anyone think a switch to the 4-3 all of a sudden gives Nix the ability to find these pass rushers??
The blueprint to beat a pass happy offense has always been to rush the passer and pressure the QB. Nothing the Giants did proved that. They were just good enough to do it.
~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 Jan 30, 2012 5:18 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Bingo!
Whether they are runnig a 3-4, a 4-3 or a 4-6, the Bills have the same gaping holes in terms of pass rushers. I don’t care whether you call them linebackers or defensive ends, the Bills still have the same needs they did before this switch was announced.
The main positive I take from this announcement is that at least now they have a difinitive direction heading into free agency and the draft.
"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby. That’s what we’ve got to do. We’ve got to show you the baby, and the baby is winning." - Buddy Nix
There's more room for pass rushers
The 4-3 that Wannstedt plays has two ends, one under tackle, and an outside linebacker that can be JPP type players on passing downs.
I agree that it has nothing to do with Nix finding players – he’s obviously got to do a better job. Does any of that have to do with drafting players for the interior of the defense? I think it might. It’s a matter of where he focused, IMO. He focused inside first. Considering the small and weak team he inherited, I’d say it wasn’t a bad idea.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
then we have more holes to fill
if we don’t have any.
I agree with K. Nothing about scheme tells us why he can’t get us someone to get to the passer, unless he has been waiting for “the right guy”in the “right spot/time” or something, and that really doesn’t add up. This has been the rosters’ primary issue, since Schobel was active (i don’t know how retirement suddenly catapulted this guy into being a future HOFer…. He might be- but he was part of the same issue when he played- we were very inconsistent at rushing the passer, which allowed teams to gash us, over and over)
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Jan 30, 2012 7:16 PM EST up reply actions
i absolutely agree with this though:
He focused inside first. Considering the small and weak team he inherited, I’d say it wasn’t a bad idea.
Unfortunately, most of those middle guys were 3-4 players, or projected as them. That doesn’t mean they can’t or won’t translate. I won’t argue there. I just think we are going to end up with different assessments, based off our preferences. It just matters which of us ‘stretches’ to make fits, and who accepts that almost all players have some kind of deficiency that can be exploited, and talent that can be enhanced. That is on the staff. we will see if these guy scan get the job done, or not.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Jan 30, 2012 7:18 PM EST up reply actions
I think there are two different arguments here:
Argument 1: a 4-3 has some pass rushing options that a 3-4 doesn’t, and vice versa. In a 4-3, a team can draft four ends and get them on the field at the same time. Hence, more pass rush ability. I re-read what I wrote, and it was confusing. This statement is what I meant.
Argument 2: Nix hasn’t gotten pass rushers. No argument, though I’d say he was focusing elsewhere.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
1- word.
2- werrrd.
I agree, and thanks for the clarification. I didn’t read it incorrectly, as I inferred from the view, anyway- but you understood that point, obviously.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Jan 30, 2012 10:06 PM EST up reply actions
We did not have pass rush problems when schobels was healthy
And I bet he would notof retired if we had not switched to a 3-4
what?
Schobel was no Bruce Smith. With him and Denney, we consistently were terrible at generating pass rush. i couldn’t disagree with you more..
He MAY not have retired. Hard to say. The place he wanted to go was making the switch also (Texans) and ultimately he chose not to transition. He probably knew a scheme change wasn’t going to work well for him. I really don’t know. But he is no way some kind of sack machine, and really never was.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Jan 30, 2012 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah….this team had issues getting to the pass rusher with him. He was a good pass rusher, but I never would call him great.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Jan 31, 2012 7:49 AM EST up reply actions
I would still say that a team with Kelsay and Schobel is better at generating a pass rush than a team with Kelsay and an injured Merriman.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
Citi Field loves the mets so much it smothers them. -the caveman
I don’t disagree w/ that
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Jan 31, 2012 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
What makes anyone think a switch to the 4-3 all of a sudden gives Nix the ability to find these pass rushers??
Because most college DEs are used to playing with their hands in the dirt. You ask them to play OLB and all of a sudden they are fish out of water doing something they have never done before like rushing from a stand up position and actually covering receivers. People that have always been hand in the dirt rushers can usually perform much quicker from their natural position at DE than trying to transition them to OLB in a 3-4.
Girls use hair spray, Men don't.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!
Don't be a Paully!
by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 31, 2012 3:44 AM EST up reply actions
I prefer the pass rush to come from the line than the LBs in general. If we can put together some DEs that can rush while Dareus and Williams flood the middle, it could be a dangerous front 4.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
I've always been partial to a 46 style 4-3
I always thought the Greg Williams – Jerry Grey was our best defense, and was sad to see Jauron go Tampa 2. If Wannstedt somehow went to a defense where the Sam was a guy like Merriman, and Buffalo could emulate what the Giants do, I’d be happy.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Me too, I remember the Greg Williams defenses. They were beastly at times. I think that the Giants are successful on a regular basis because they have built a defense around the pass rush and have a very good QB. They’re a good team to emulate.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
those were the days when we needed offence….now its defence
flip flopped the past 6 years
Ay Ay Ay Ayyyyy
by BuffaloBillsBigestFan on Jan 31, 2012 12:11 AM EST up reply actions
No Way
I always thought the Greg Williams – Jerry Grey was our best defense
Wade’s defenses were the best, we were top 3.
Girls use hair spray, Men don't.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!
Don't be a Paully!
by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 31, 2012 3:46 AM EST up reply actions
We also had only 4 other teams.
To compete with for 3-4 talent.
Girls use hair spray, Men don't.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!
Don't be a Paully!
by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 31, 2012 3:47 AM EST up reply actions
hahhaa
I couldn’t be more excited about this switch. I think this was the plan all along and am glad that we’re finally on the right track. I see at least a 10 spot jump in the defensive standings and fear from our divisional rivals.
Kudos to OBD and kudos to Chan and Buddy for doing the right thing!
i don’t know what is funnier… the statements, or the fact others recd it. lol. Jokes are funny.
I love this plan! I’m excited to be a part of it! LET’S DO IT!
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Jan 30, 2012 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
Probably good news?
I remember that we couldn’t really seem to run a 4-3 a few years ago, and so I’m skeptical that now after two years of trying to run a 3-4 we are suddenly going to be okay going back to a 4-3.
It is true, though, that Buffalo hadn’t found a lot of help to play the 3-4, and that we hadn’t really stuck to it over the last two years anyway. This switch probably opens it up for…
well someone. I’m guessing that they feel they can get more bodies to play DE and NT. Certainly Dareus and a health Meatball sounds good in the middle. And its easier to get 3 good LBs than 4, I would suppose? Cant wait to read some more analysis?
Can’t wait to see some folks go through
Big Difference Between Then And Now...
We have Marcel Dareus and Kyle Williams has emerged as a star and a Top 10 DT in the NFL.
A 4-3 defense lives and dies by it’s defensive tackles and Buffalo had been searching for a replacement for Pat Williams and Sam Adams for AGES. The switch to the 3-4 was partly BECAUSE we had so much trouble find big run cloggers in the middle. Buffalo was late to the dance though and the whole league had begun a shift to the 3-4 meaning the market for linebackers – particularly pass-rushing OLBs – had dried up. The NFL goes through this cycle every few years.
Kyle Williams and Marcel Dareus in the middle is about as stout a beginning as you can get for a 4-3 defense. Right from the start you’ve made running up the middle nigh impossible. Pair them up with an elite pass rusher on the outside (cough Mario Williams?) and the rest of your defense almost starts to not matter.
Bottom line is the personnel on this team right NOW is far better suited to a 4-3 than a 3-4 and we still have a whole off-season to improve it even more. This was a great move.
I coined the nickname.
Kyle Williams and Marcel Dareus in the middle is about as stout a beginning as you can get for a 4-3 defense.
If we went back to a 4-3 they would be…….
The Willus Wall……I own the copyright to that, I beat EVERYONE to it!
Girls use hair spray, Men don't.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!
Don't be a Paully!
by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 31, 2012 3:52 AM EST up reply actions
Proof!!!!!!!
http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2011/12/22/2654887/2012-mock-draft-dream-version#86484602
Girls use hair spray, Men don't.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!
Don't be a Paully!
by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 31, 2012 3:55 AM EST up reply actions
Hahahha....not bad....how about he K-Mar D-line Special
"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
"Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances." - Sun Tzu
No, no, no. RBs will get lost in the Will-Dar-ness.
by BuffaloRepresent on Feb 1, 2012 5:22 PM EST up reply actions
One thing that I think is great about this is that there might be some personnel available from a few teams making a switch to a 3-4 from a 4-3 as both the Colts and Dolphins are rumored to be transitioning to a 3-4 to name two. Perhaps there will be some castoffs available.
Also…..had you been patient Poz, you’d be playing in a 4-3 again.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Jan 30, 2012 3:38 PM EST reply actions
I think the Fins
are actually already a 34 and are in fact transitioning to a 43
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
I loved Poz...
But I love Barnett more. Good Riddance.
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Jan 30, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
Poz will be playing long after Barnett is retired.
by PineWoodsBillsFan on Jan 30, 2012 4:28 PM EST up reply actions
Can you imagine how bad he will be at covering TEs by the time he gets old and Barnett retires?
"We have an elite pass rushing LB who likes to conserve electricity." -- Munchausen
by crooked5 on Jan 30, 2012 7:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hard to imagine him being worse at that.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jan 30, 2012 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
One and done
Again, I don’t want this regime drafting a QB and I don’t want them taking any scheme-specific players in the upcoming draft. They’ve had two years to build and all they have done is flip-flop all over the place aside from anointing the very ordinary Ryan Fitzpatrick their QB with the extension. Fine. You get 2012 to show some results. If not, it’s time to bring in a regime with an actual plan and let them do the decision-making. Wins or heads and nothing in between.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Jan 30, 2012 3:41 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
What is acceptable to you, Port Royal?
What sort of results would make you willing to give CHIX more time past 2012?
I saw the Bills vastly improve from 2010 to 2011. The record went from 4-12 to 6-10. That’s not as much progress as many of us had hoped for, but it is quantifiable progress. What happens if the Bills go 8-8 next season? Would you give CHIX more time? I would. It’s not the progress that would make me happy. but it is progress that I would be satisfied with. If Chix can get more wins each year, then why get rid of them? Why so much pressure on CHIX before they’ve shown any evidence of moving backward?
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Jan 30, 2012 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
They took a team that was 6-10, 7-9,7-9,7-9
and went to 4-12, how is that not moving backwards?
okay great they got the team back up to what it was two years ago, which is still worse than 3-4-5 years ago.
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 30, 2012 3:51 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You gotta tear down the stick fort if you want to build a structure that has a good foundation. Brick by brick, this team is becoming more and more solid.
Shun the non Billievers!
If you say so friend.
:-)
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 30, 2012 4:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree with Superduff
You can’t use Jauron’s regime as the measuring stick against CHIX. You have to look at CHIX alone. progress is being made.
okay great they got the team back up to what it was two years ago, which is still worse than 3-4-5 years ago.
So, norcaliangelsfan, you’re saying that if the Bills under CHIX go 8-8 in 2012, 10-6 in 2013, and 12-4 in 2014 and win the Super Bowl, that it won’t be worth it because CHIX went 4-12 and 6-10 in the first two rebuilding years?
Remember, it took Marv Levy 3 years with the Bills to make the Playoffs and 5 years to make it to the Super Bowl, and that was regarded as ridiculously fast.
So, you’re not going to convince me that CHIX is no good just yet. I understand that 12 years is an excruciatingly long drought and we Bills fans want to taste the Playoffs again. But, if we want the Playoffs, then we need to have patience and do things the right way. There isn’t a coach/GM combination in the Universe that would have turned Jauron’s Bills into a Playoff team in a single season.
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Jan 30, 2012 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
Why can't you use Jauron's regime as a measuring stick?
But use Levy’s as one for Gailey?
There isn’t a coach/GM combination in the Universe that would have turned Jauron’s Bills into a Playoff team in a single season.
Says who? Didn’t the Broncos just go from a 4-12 team to the 2nd round of the playoffs? And to further that point, the Broncos were 7-9, 8-8, 8-8 in the three years before that or very similar to Jauron’s teams.
Patience is one thing but it’s amazing how far Bills fans are willing to bend over as the team struggles to be even mediocre. It’s not really a 3 year plan, it’s a 5 year plan! And that’s not the plan to win the Super Bowl, that’s the playoff plan.
Limited time only! Save 5% with code: XGWUI
by twoeightnine on Jan 30, 2012 4:36 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
It’s not really a 3 year plan, it’s a 5 year plan! And that’s not the plan to win the Super Bowl, that’s the playoff plan.
Right. I’m not happy about it, but I’m willing to accept a 5 year plan, because that’s not unusual in the NFL. Bills fans are demanding a miracle rather than having patience and waiting for a realistic build. If the miracle happens ad we get there sooner, then feel blessed. Don’t expect it.
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Jan 30, 2012 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
broncos
Were 8-8 again this year but play in a division where no team was consistent this year. They then win one playoff game and lose another. It certainly is no miracle turn around.
Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life.
- Brooke Shields
by Let's Go Buffalo (UK) on Jan 30, 2012 5:26 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
There is plenty of proof that teams dont need the three or five year rebuild.
Look no further than SF…..they improved their record by leaps and bounds in one year….with a shortened off season.
Hell Jim Harbaugh won more regular season games in one year than Gailey’s won in two…
Ive heard excuses like yours for years. Believe whatever you must though. Theres no way you can convince me that this Bills team is on the path you provided…not with consective seasons of 8 game losing streaks..not to mention the teams inability to even get to a .500 division winning record.
Not. Gonna. Happen.
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 30, 2012 7:04 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
yea, but he also fell into a great situation. They had a ton of talent on that team that had underachieved for a decade.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Jan 30, 2012 7:06 PM EST up reply actions
Like Donte Whitner?
It just goes to show how much a player can improve with good coaching.
Maybe we were the ones with good talent who underachieved due to coaching? I’ll give them one more year, but I have my pitchfork and torch at the ready. I’ve seen too much already I don’t like about this front office/coaching staff……I am sick of excuses…..I want results. The switch to the 4-3 buys them some more time. I see this as a correction of their past foolishness. The Fitz contract though, I see as just plain foolish and I think it will lead to their canning within 1-2 years if they don’t have a viable backup plan.
Girls use hair spray, Men don't.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!
Don't be a Paully!
by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 31, 2012 4:06 AM EST up reply actions
You think Whitner’s improved that much this year? All I’ve read about from him are accounts of him doing exactly what he did here, whiffing, misreads, poor tackling, etc. I mean, I haven’t seen him play, so I’m genuinely asking. But it seems his improvement hasn’t been a factor as much as he has good guys around him to help mask his deficiencies and he’s not being asked to be a leader of the defense like he was here.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
That’s pretty much what I observed.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 31, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
49ers had like a dozen 1st round selections in 6 years. Look at the list of those guys, and you will see why they had profound improvement (not to mention hitting regularly in the second round as well). they had the talent to build with, and hired a great coach.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Jan 30, 2012 7:20 PM EST up reply actions
Where are you getting that from?
49ers had like a dozen 1st round selections in 6 years
they had 9 in 6 years
And we could have the same if we were willing to make some deals too.
We had 7 in 6 years.
Girls use hair spray, Men don't.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!
Don't be a Paully!
by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 31, 2012 4:12 AM EST up reply actions
i count ten
going to 2005-
Alex Smith
vernon davis
manny lawson
partrick willis
joe staley
kentwan balmer
michael crabtree
anthony davis
mike iupati
aldon smith
that is a lot of contributing talent, from what I see. Maybe you think our first rounders are of the same caliber? I disagree.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Jan 31, 2012 7:54 PM EST up reply actions
Ive heard excuses like yours for years. Believe whatever you must though. Theres no way you can convince me that this Bills team is on the path you provide
Thats the gist of it. The heavens could open, a white dove descend in a a ray of hevenly light to sit on Chix’s head(s), Tim Tebow could declare them his disciples and you would be like,nope, not buying it. Some people are just naturally skeptical.
flayed ones stealth mode
"Fleshling! Do not shoot! For I am one of you fleshy things. It is I. Your Uncle Stan. Can't you tell by the long strips of fleshy substances covered in bodily fluids? Trust me! I have fleeeeeeeeesh."
Some markers
1.) Fitzpatrick would have to validate the unwavering confidence they have placed in him (ie- Validate that Buffalo was correct not to begin their re-build by adding a QB because they already had one).
2.) The defense would have to make huge strides proving that the flip back to the 4-3 wasn’t a big deal and Buffalo wasn’t totally starting over on D in 2012. Frankly, they’ve gone heavy on D for two drafts. They should be good (not even mediocre, but good) by next season.
3.) They couldn’t come in last place again or bottom out to a wretched finish like going 1-8. Frankly, just saying a magic win number doesn’t work for me. Completely falling off to a 1-8 finish shows real regression despite the baby step overall from 4-12 to 6-10.
At the minimum, they need to be contending for the playoffs by the last week of the season next year. I’ll draw that line in the sand and make a determination on the progress that is shown throughout.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Jan 30, 2012 3:59 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Very Reasonable Expectations
I actually share them with you, Port. Here’s hoping!
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Jan 30, 2012 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
Now this is a statement I can get behind.
You get 2012 to show some results. If not, it’s time to bring in a regime with an actual plan and let them do the decision-making. Wins or heads and nothing in between.
For me it’s pretty simple this year, 10+ wins or new coaches. I doubt that Nix would be forced out after 3 years, but I suppose it’s possible.
"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
Way to go guys...
Way to spend 2 drafts trying to acquire players who fit in the 3-4 only to scrap it two years later. The people running the Bills just seem totally clueless in my opinion. It seems to me that they dont have a vision of what they want to do. Thats a big reason why they are not going anywhere anytime soon.
How so?
Darius is better fit playing a 43 with williams
Our 2 best defenders on the field scream for a 4-3, makes sense
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
They were both on the field when they were running a 34 this year. If they were just going to scrap the 34, they should have done it at the beginning of this season and move forward. Im not mad about the move, Im more perplexed by the lack of direction at OBD.
The direction is 43. In a 43.their will be less blockers for the two.stud dt to deal with.as in a 34 the dlines job is two eat up.blockers. They were suppose to know that edwards would have such.a bad year before they even started.
"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 Jan 30, 2012 4:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
If the direction is the 4-3, they should have made that determination before they wasted two drafts picking up players who are 3-4 fits. Changing direction all the time is not going to get you to where you want to be faster, it will only make the process longer.
Wait… you want to get rid of Nix and Gailey and change direction?
I don’t think they really drafted anybody in the last two years who won’t still fit in a 4-3. They had plenty of players who don’t fit well in the 3-4, made worse by a defensive coordinator who was in over his head.
by SiriusRed on Jan 30, 2012 4:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
No, I dont want to get rid of Gailey yet...Nix, Ill pay for his plane ticket out of town,
I think that Gailey deserves another year. I am not super high on him (based on the two long losing streaks), but with the talent that he has, he deserves another year or two. I stated that the Bills are not going anywhere anytime soon. I believe that is because of a lack of vision and that starts with the general manager. QB and pass rush have been the biggest needs for two years now and we are not any closer to having any answers in those departments. Ignoring your weaknesses does not make them go away.
He said he was building from the inside out
Point out the picks of the last 2 years that won’t work in a 4-3
Troup and Carrington
Troup was drafted to be a nose guard in a 3-4. He has yet to make any impact at all so I guess its kind of a moot point what contribution he will make. Carrington was drafted to play a defensive end in the 3/4. I am not saying that these two cant play in a 4-3, but when they were drafted by the bills, they were specifically drafted to fit a 3-4 scheme, not a 4-3
by MarkyMarkO on Jan 30, 2012 6:14 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Just because you where drafted to play a 43 does not mean you do not fit a 43. Troup can play dt he fits a 4-3. Alex if he dropped 10lbs could fit in at de maybe.
"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 Jan 30, 2012 6:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
yes……. Carrington picked up weight to play DE in the 3-4, but he could also lose the weight to play LDE in the 4-3. The scouting report about him when he was in draft was he could play either scheme, he was just raw because he played at a small school. But was heavily recruited to the SEC. Troupe played NT in college, but that doesn’t mean he can’t play DT. He just hasn’t, but he was pretty highly touted coming out of college, so he might be a great DT in this defense.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Jan 30, 2012 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
So 2 out of 15
No biggie, and they can both fit
you said no direction well the team has a direction. They changed coordinators and he wants to play a 43 because we are better suited to play a 43. Hell.did we even play 34 looks last year. I was not saying it was 34 from the start but 43 players will be easier to obtain because the 34 is prevolent the.olb.are hard to find and I.see only two laye round draft picks that where wasted. Batten and moats not much I am gonna cry.home about in.those roinds
"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 Jan 30, 2012 6:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The direction is 43. In a 43.
now it is. like, as of today. for the last 2 years, it wasn’t. that really can’t be refuted.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Jan 30, 2012 7:22 PM EST up reply actions
Have we rafted anyone on the last 2 years
that only fits a 3-4?
Sure it was a mistake to move to a 3-4, but that was before we got Darius.
Darius is better in a 43
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
Yah nix drafted alot of scheme diverse players so the two drafts nit really.a waste and this is nux listening to his d cordinator. The stache prolly told him the talent on.the team us better suited for a 4-3. Plus with.one good offseason the transitiin.is over for ys.
"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 Jan 30, 2012 3:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Wow color me surprised... not!
Not that it is a big secret or anything, but does announcing a change in Defense to a divisional rival who picks right before you and is also looking for more 4-3 pass rushers a good thing?
Very good point.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 31, 2012 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
I like this move
Let the man do what he does best, and we will draft talent that is best suited for it. Its making me like a Courtney Upshaw pick more, too.
to play where?
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
by billsoferie on Jan 30, 2012 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hopefully in the opposing teams backfield!
by buffaloparks on Jan 30, 2012 10:57 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I have a feeling that Sheppard has a huge season in the middle.
by 67levitrewood70 on Jan 30, 2012 3:49 PM EST reply actions
Sheppard is actually my biggest concern (for current players) for this switch. I'm worried about him in coverage.
Maybe it’s all the years of watching the DJ run 4-3, but I have visions of him failing at trying to trail TE’s or backs coming through his zones.
At least we shouldn’t see him 20 yards downfield and those silly deep drops from the DJ years.
"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
He has the speed and range.
He’s quicker than Pozlusny. He just has to learn the nuances of playing the pass.
Rookie-Williams-Dareus-Kelsay
Moats-Sheppard-Barnett
Williams-Rodgers
Byrd-Wilson
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
I was just going to ask if anyone thinks Moats has a chance to be starting at OLB alongside Barnett & Sheppard. I saw in Der Jaeger’s post earlier today that he placed Moats at DE in the 4-3 alignment, with Batten/Scott as potential OLBs.
@sawyervanhorn
by Sawyer in Boston on Jan 30, 2012 4:10 PM EST up reply actions
i think he is mobile enough
And has the right attitude. Not the right size for nix though. I like him to make a push for it though.
Scott is also a good option.
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
by billsoferie on Jan 30, 2012 5:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Good stuff!
I’m especially happy to hear this after reading the 3-4 versus 4-3 personnel breakdown this morning. I think this is going to do wonders for our D (having a healthy Williams pair with Dareus would in either system though).
Now how does this change our draft board? I know pass rush is still the top priority, but who fits best?
"Nick Barnett is everywhere. He is behind you right now." - Munchausen
by RedStickBillsFan on Jan 30, 2012 3:52 PM EST reply actions
They're better off this way
I think they will be much better off in a 4-3 front. The personnel they have fit better this way. Kelsay will be back to having his hand on the ground, and he one more effective that way. The pairing of Dareus and Williams up the middle will give us a presence we haven’t seen since Pat Williams and Sam Adams. We could still use more LBs (middle round) and a pass rusher (urgent).
For those of you who are quick to criticize this move, you make it sound like they’ve been acquiring football players and switching to play baseball. This move shows no failure on the part of Nix or Gailey, other than not being able to find competent 3-4 OLBs who aren’t injury-prone. They just don’t grow on trees. The players they have right now are all players who will still fit in the 4-3 scheme, only without putting players into goofy roles, like Kelsay and Spencer Johnson at OLB.
by SiriusRed on Jan 30, 2012 4:10 PM EST via mobile reply actions
If we have to rely on Kelsay as being an effective DE...
We are in serious trouble. Drafting Quinton Couples would be a major upgrade over Kelsay!!!
This move is the way forward
Over Christmas, I wrote an article about how I thought the NFL was transitioning from a pass-first league to a league where running and playing good defense could win as well, citing San Francisco and Denver as examples.
The 4-3 is a step in the right direction. Staying as a 3-4 would’ve put Buffalo at the tail end of the 3-4 trend. Teams have already figured out how to beat the 3-4 with mobile tight ends. That’s why I believe Belichick drafted his tight ends, and shifted to a 4-3.
The key question to answer is why Belichick shifted to the 4-3? He’s won with the scheme for 30+ years, including five Super Bowls. And he has the ideal 3-4 nose tackle, the hardest part of the 3-4 to find. Why make the move?
I think the 2007 Giants uncovered the way forward against spread passing teams. The Giants acquired prime pass rushing talent in Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora outside the first round. Buffalo’s got that same opportunity now to add guys like Chandler Jones, Cam Johnson, and Malik Jackson later in the draft, even if they go DE in the first round.
This move is the right way to go, and if we’re all lucky, Buffalo will be ahead of a league trend instead of behind behind it.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
by Der Jaeger on Jan 30, 2012 4:26 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Giants
So the Giants were ahead of the curve by focusing on adding prime pass rushers to beat the spread offense, yet Buffalo spent the first two years of their re-build adding not one pass rusher of consequence (despite going heavy on defense both drafts) and everything is still going according to plan? I just don’t follow.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Jan 30, 2012 5:35 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Nix inherited a team with one viable defensive tackle, a weak interior, and a small team overall. I find no fault in addressing the middle of the team first.
The Giants have a scheme that requires four DE’s: two DE’s proper, a Sam that’s really a DE, and the under tackle is a DE on passing downs. It’s a twist on a 46 variant. And they drafted accordingly. Their linebackers aren’t special, and their OL is old and about to fall apart. But the Giants focused on the strength of their defense, not the weaknesses.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
i agree with all of this
except that hte line is old and about to fall apart, because really, most of the pass rushers are still solid enough, and as you point out, that is the majority of the front. Otherwise, you are absolutely right. They are sticking to the plan.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
by ThaRealTruth on Jan 30, 2012 7:26 PM EST up reply actions
But the Giants focused on the strength of their defense, not the weaknesses.
This wouldn’t be a bad thing for the Bills to do. Even with the switch back to the 4-3, if OBD felt Brockers/Still was the BPA I’d be fine with that pick.
"Everyone who has conducted an expedition will know how ready the world is to do the great injustice of heaping the whole praise or blame for its success or failure on the shoulders of the leader alone."
-Polar Explorer Fridtjof Nansen
by NordicBillsfan on Jan 30, 2012 7:28 PM EST up reply actions
I have a theory about “super units.” Basically it goes like this: if a team can build a unit that is so compellingly good that it dominants every facet of a game that it possibly can, there are two effects. First, the other team can’t truly counter the “super unit,” only mitigate the effects. Second, a team can hide its own weaknesses.
Super units:
- Giants defensive line
- San Francisco’s offensive line
- Pittsburgh’s linebackers
- Green Bay’s receivers
etc., you get the point.
All those units are impossible to stop, and have to be worked around. You can’t really block the Steelers normally, you have to commit more blockers just to slow them down – and you’re still not really stopping them. And it covers for weaknesses in the secondary. SF’s offensive line opens huge holes, and the defense is always in an eight man front. That opens up everything for Alex Smith, etc.
I’d love to see Buffalo commit assets to DE’s, like the Giants.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
by Der Jaeger on Jan 30, 2012 10:12 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
One of the best comments yet.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jan 30, 2012 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
You forgot one (maybe two):
Patriots TEs
Peyton Manning
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 31, 2012 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
Patriots Defense
Everyone knocks them and says they are so bad, but they have been really effective because their two DT’s Wilfork and Love are so big and powerful that no one can find much room running up the middle. These guys plug almost 4 gaps themselves.
Then they have athletic OLB’s/DE in Ninkovich and Carter rushing upfield and keeping contain. Then their ILB’s Mayo, and Spikes can fill any gaps and tackle at will. The secondary plays a man-under and double high safety.
It all starts with the two big DE’s that were former NT’s.
I believe the Patriots have given up the most big-yardage plays this season, if memory serves me. They’ve turned a corner in the playoffs, but they also haven’t faced the most dynamic offenses in the league. Denver was terrible in the first meeting, following that first Q, and Baltimore doesn’t scare many teams once Ray Rice is held in check.
They did stop Ray Rice, but they absolutely couldn’t stop Flacco. That’s telling to me. Part of it is their youth. Part of it. I’m not sure what the other factor(s) is/are.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 31, 2012 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
The Bills need playmakers on defense, who cares what scheme…if you have good players/playmakers on defense…you have a good defense.
Yeah, rec'd
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
Reading comprehension?
The word used in the story was “alignment.” I used that word for a very specific reason. I specifically did not go into scheme, also for good reason.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Don’t tase me, bro!
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Jan 30, 2012 4:52 PM EST up reply actions
Are you talking to me?
Because I wasn’t replying to you.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
we better upgrade
I love Bills I’ve been a fan Thurman wit that being said we better stop being cheap skates and make atleast 2 big FA spalshes in march to improve and bring Stevie back if not I’m dunn and far as I’m concerned they can leave buffalo I’m fed up wit players who wouldn’t even make other nfl teams. Letz Go Bills git her dunn
by Jermain on Jan 30, 2012 5:08 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I Love It, But My One Question -
Where does this leave Nick Barnett? As far as I know, he’s never played anything but MLB. If Sheppard is taking over the starting MLB spot in this 4-3 then what are we doing with Barnett? He was, IMO, the best player on our defense last season.
Can he play outside? Has he ever played outside?
That's a great question
From everything I’ve looked at and from what I know about him, I don’t believe he’s played any OLB, at least significantly.
~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."
If memory serves me correctly
I think other key elements that people are forgetting about, or don’t remember because they were too young to remember is this….
1. Do we have a shut down corner on this roster. Deon Sanders was acquired to do that in Dallas when the Stache was there.
2. Do we have a pass rusher that can be a disruptive force on obvious passing downs. Dallas also acquired Charles Hailey to accomplish this while the Stache was there.
3. Do we have the DT’s on the roster not only to shut down the run game, but also supply the push up the middle on passing downs?
4. Do we have the OLB’s that can pass cover and blitz when needed?
5. Do we have a middle linebacker that could dominate, like a zach thomas?
In my opinion, #3 and #5 is a yes, and with depth. 1,2, and 4 are still to be determined, but i would say probably not.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Jan 30, 2012 5:30 PM EST reply actions
My Thoughts...
1. No and not even close. Frankly, our corners concern me. McGee is done. McKelvin is a bust. Florence regressed BIG TIME last season. To me, Aaron Williams looks like the best corner on our team and that is scary. This position needs a lot of attention this offseason.
2. No but there are AMPLE opportunities to address this. #1 on my list (and everyone else’s in Buffalo) is Mario Williams who looks primed for a Franchise & Trade parlay from Houston. If you can’t do that then there are two ideal 4-3 DE prospects in the draft from where I’m sitting – Coples and Mercilus. One of them will most likely be available to us at 10.
3. Yes and yes.
4. Pass cover – yes. Barnett is one of the best in the league. Pass rush… meh. Arthur Moats looked like a solid prospect as a pass rusher as a rookie, he regressed majorly last season. Was it a sophomore slump or was his rookie campaign a mirage? Either way he’s a liability in coverage and run defense so we should be looking to upgrade. Of course, Merriman is always an X Factor but I wouldn’t bet anything on Merriman playing more than 3 downs in a given season.
5. Yes, in fact we have 2 of them. One veteran and one young gun. Looks like Barnett will be moved outside to capitalize on his coverage skills but he’ll always be there as an option if Sheppard starts to flounder.
You’d think so.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 31, 2012 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
Some of the pkayers seem excited about the switch. Kelvin sheppard and arron williams both can not wait to get to camp. Troup also.said its cool.
"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 Jan 30, 2012 6:14 PM EST via mobile reply actions
stay positive
I’m not concerned with 5 year plans or what have you. We are witnessing the formation of a new core and the development of a team on the rise. A team that is proud to be called the Buffalo Bills. I will wait as long as it takes, because it is going to happen. Hang in there.
by buffalojackson on Jan 30, 2012 6:15 PM EST via mobile reply actions 2 recs
Give Vernon Gholston a call
ya ya I know he hasn’t done squat since entering the league. I know he was picked up by the Bears at one point, but I don’t think he’s had a full training camp as a 4-3 DE in the NFL.
He’s a FA, so he can’t cost that much, and if he gets cut at some point it’s not like we’ll have lost anything. He only turns 26 this summer (according to wikipedia) and has the physical attributes necessary, maybe now he’s willing to put in some work to succeed.
"Everyone who has conducted an expedition will know how ready the world is to do the great injustice of heaping the whole praise or blame for its success or failure on the shoulders of the leader alone."
-Polar Explorer Fridtjof Nansen
that is a good point. Not a bad idea.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Jan 30, 2012 7:02 PM EST up reply actions
Good Move
I do think the 3-4 is more flashy than the 4-3, but with this team, they are more of a 4-3 team. Hopefully the personnel can transition well and we control the line of scrimmage with that extra body up front. I an hopeful we can do better with Wannstedt as the full time DC. Just imagine what our team would be like if we had Gailey as the OC, Wannstedt as the DC, and take your pick of high profile coaches.
Yeah 3-4 or 4-3
I quess its a good move going back to 4-3. Now lets get back to winning! Run anything you need to do that.
The Sum Of A Franchise Is Directly Proportionate To The Talent Of Franchise's QB. Get A QB OBD!
BETTER PASS RUSH! hopefully
we all know that when we last played the 4-3 we sucked also we had no pass rush,but now i see a pass rush hopefully forming with dareus and williams playing together in the interior they both proved they could still cause chaos being double teamed now that one will most likely gett singled up will hopefully resuly in more sacks,but we will have to get a good DE who are we gonna start kelsay i love the guy but admit it he is not the answer and who will line up opposite of him? free agent,rookie,merriman!?
Maybe say they are going 4-3 now to light the Twinkle in Super Mario's eye?
I mean, his Free agency technically begins at the end of the super bowl, which is one week right? Why not announce you are moving back to the 4-3 with two stud DT’s and a good platoon SDE…..so why not throw that out there so he looks our way. If they can wrap up the pass rushing DE in FA, then hit Michael Floyd in the first round; grab a like like Vinny Curry or Cam johnson in the second….then id be happy I guess.
Of course if we really just wanted to make Sanchez and Brady sully their britches, we’d get Super Mario in FA and draft Coples anyways.
"Everyone who has conducted an expedition will know how ready the world is to do the great injustice of heaping the whole praise or blame for its success or failure on the shoulders of the leader alone."
-Polar Explorer Fridtjof Nansen
by NordicBillsfan on Jan 30, 2012 8:38 PM EST up reply actions
Because
if they sign Mario that means no Stevie….i honestly believe it is one or the other. And at this point, I mean i love stevie, love him. But I would choose Mario Williams every time. So if they get Mario, they have to go WR with the first pick.
Not necessarily. If Coples is the BPA, and you could field a defensive line of Mario Williams, Kyle Williams, Dareus, and Coples, I think that would scare some teams.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Jan 30, 2012 8:54 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with you on that point…….. but since this draft is very deep at QB, OLB and WR, we could address those concerns later in the draft. Plus there are options in FA at WR that could pan out also.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Jan 30, 2012 9:08 PM EST up reply actions
“some” ??
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 31, 2012 11:31 AM EST up reply actions
I have to admit this is pretty frustrating to hear on 1/30/12...
Considering almost 24 months ago, they were “selling us” that a 3-4 was the way to go and that was going to be base defense.
The only thing that can turn fan frustration around is what NHBillzfan is suggesting and/or they start winning.
For now it is all words and we are stuck in the mud of mediocrity!
Nix is a politician. Jim Irsay told me to say that.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 31, 2012 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
Mario Williams or bust
We will sign Stevie, no worries. I think we make a statement this off-season. It’s high time we did.
I like to believe this has more to do with the Bills players feeling like they can be something special. They started a year 0-8 and finished 4-4 while taking playoff and championship game bound teams to OT and 3 pt nail biters. All this with one year under a new coach and with a young roster. Im sure they can feel what they are capable of. -poz
Someone needs to start
a Mario Williams to Buffalo Bills facebook fan page or something. or a Twitter account, or something fans can blow up to show ownership how badly we want this guy on the team.
a Mario Williams to Buffalo Bills facebook fan page or something. or a Twitter account, or something fans can blow up to show ownership how badly we want this guy on the team.
#OccupyMarioWilliamstwitterpage
"Everyone who has conducted an expedition will know how ready the world is to do the great injustice of heaping the whole praise or blame for its success or failure on the shoulders of the leader alone."
-Polar Explorer Fridtjof Nansen
by NordicBillsfan on Jan 30, 2012 9:05 PM EST up reply actions
LOL, nice
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Jan 30, 2012 9:09 PM EST up reply actions
3 major needs
still in front seven. They do not have a strong side linebacker on the roster. They do not have a quality DE on the roster. The assumption that Sheppard is a gem at MLB is hopeful but certainly not definite. Seriously all these Mario Williams hallucinations out there are bizarre. What gives anyone belief that a) Mario would want to come to Buffalo, b/c we are in a 4-3 and employ 2 DT’s and a defense that gave up a zillion yards and points, and b) most importantly since when have the Bills spent big money on a prized FA? This franchise will do just enough to excite the fan base without actually putting a significantly better product on the field. I love the Bill, but they have running the same dog and pony show for the last 12+ years.
yea, but if your going to dream, dream big. Back in my 20’s i use to dream about having Bruce and Reggie playing together for the Bills. Could you imagine the fear on the QB…… to quote a part of the movie The Waterboy………. “AAARGGG, MY LEG”.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Jan 30, 2012 9:26 PM EST up reply actions
Year one be understanding
Year two be concerned
Year three be critical
Go Buffalo Bills, Utah Jazz, and Arkansas Razorbacks
OUR KING DOME IS HOLLY GROUND YOU CAN ENTER BUT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH OUT A SOUL - Abayarde, Buffalo Rumblings
how would
Barnett-Sheppard-Burflict
Curry-Williams-Dareus-Kelsey
Or putting in Cliff Avirl in there
Ay Ay Ay Ayyyyy
by BuffaloBillsBigestFan on Jan 31, 2012 12:16 AM EST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Buffalo Rumblings
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Things to know about NFL men who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam
- How Kyle Orton almost cost the Colts Andrew Luck
- Detroit Lions DT Nick Fairley arrested again; now has more NFL arrests than NFL sacks
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
