State Of The Buffalo Bills Roster: Offensive Tackle
by Brian Galliford on Jan 6, 2012 12:15 PM EST
in State of the Buffalo Bills Roster
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Buffalo Rumblings is in the process of breaking down the Buffalo Bills' roster position by position. Installments you may have missed: QB, RB.
Something funny happened on the way to the catastrophic failures that most Buffalo Bills fans foresaw for the team's offensive line this season: the team gave up the fewest sacks in the NFL, and between its top two running backs, the Bills ran for 1,495 yards and averaged 5.4 yards per carry. That'll work, I suppose.
Yet, while there was far more stability at the offensive tackle position than anyone would have guessed there would be, and taking the unit's shocking success into account, there are still questions. How good is this group, really? How much aid did they get from Chan Gailey's quick-strike, get-the-ball-out-fast-at-all-costs passing attack? Is the position as settled as we'd like it to be heading into a new season?
Things are looking up at tackle, but there are problems to resolve. Our analysis of the position lies after the jump.
ERIK PEARS
Age: 29 (30 in June 2012)
Contract: UFA in 2015. Signed a three-year, $9.3 million deal in December of 2011.
Remember when Pears was considered the weak link on the offensive line, way back in the summer months? Now he's the team's most stable pass protector and has the most job security of anyone up front, having inked a three-year contract extension less than a month ago. Though he did experience some bumps along the way in the form of miscues and penalties - what tackle doesn't? - Pears was remarkably consistent and durable in his first full season as the Bills' starting right tackle. He'll hold down that job for the foreseeable future, and is the most capable right tackle the team has employed in years.
DEMETRIUS BELL
Age: 27 (28 in May 2012)
Contract: UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
After a promising 2010 season in which he played 16 full games on the blind side, Bell crashed back to reality this past season. His play on the left side was generally good - and even occasionally superb - but he also missed nine games with shoulder and knee injuries. In three seasons as a starter, Bell has now missed 17 games due to injuries, and the fact that two of those are knee injuries has to be concerning.
Bell, having just completed his fourth year in the league, is an impending unrestricted free agent. His injury history will likely prevent him from getting a ton of interest on the open market, so the chances are better than even that he'll be back at a reasonable salary to compete for the left tackle job again. That's not a lock, mind you; just a gut feeling.
CHRIS HAIRSTON
Age: 22 (23 in April 2012)
Contract: UFA in 2015. Entering year two of a four-year rookie deal with undisclosed financial parameters.
Last year's fourth-round pick wasn't supposed to play left tackle, nor was he supposed to play right away. But he did, and he was forced to on both fronts. At first, Hairston responded well, and Buffalo's offense didn't hiccup when Bell went out of the lineup. As the season wore on, however, Hairston became more of a liability on the left side, where his lack of athleticism left him extremely prone to getting cleanly beat by speed rushers. Things got bad enough for Hairston that Bell was rushed back into the lineup after a nine-game layoff (where he promptly re-injured himself).
The team is high on Hairston, and for good reason: he's a massive blocker (6'6", 332 pounds) and an intelligent player. When they drafted him, however, they said they viewed him as a right tackle; only out of need did Buddy Nix proclaim him a sufficient swing tackle. Hairston has the best chance to be the team's left tackle long-term, but that may not be an ideal scenario for the team. Either way, he'll likely be competing for that job this summer.
SAM YOUNG
Age: 24 (25 in June 2012)
Contract: UFA in 2014. Due $1.065M in base salaries over the next two seasons.
Acquired off of waivers from the Dallas Cowboys early in the season, Young dressed for just three games this season and barely saw any work at all. Young is another huge (6'8", 322 pounds) and supremely intelligent player, which seems to be the team's chosen theme for its linemen. There's not much else to know about him, except that he'll likely be back competing for a roster spot in July.
POSITIONAL OUTLOOK: Between the two tackle positions, the Bills have stability on the right side in Pears, and they have a budding competition on the left side, assuming Bell is re-signed. That's a scary prospect for the latter half of that equation; Bell's a huge injury liability and may not even be back, while Hairston's in-season regression shouldn't make the team eager to hand him any sort of prominent job. With that in mind, the team could always stand to try to upgrade its depth at the position, as well, so expect at least one new face - two if Bell leaves - to provide more competition, specifically for Young.
FREE AGENCY: Aside from Bell, don't expect the Bills to spend a lot of time mulling available options at this position amongst the veteran pool. That is not Nix's style, and it's not even Doug Whaley's style, for that matter; just take a look at Pittsburgh's offensive line over the years - it's been composed of draft picks and scrap-heap types. The Bills have made it work reasonably well to this point, and it's clear that the organizational philosophy is to approach this slot frugally.
2012 NFL DRAFT: Last season, Nix, Whaley and the team's scouting staff made Hairston the highest-drafted offensive tackle by the Bills since Mike Williams was the No. 4 overall pick in 2002. Hairston was a fourth-round pick. Again, this regime doesn't seem to believe in spending premium resources on the position, instead looking to acquire big, smart guys that can be serviceable. At most, look for a mid-round pick - but it also seems likely at this point that another tackle or two will be added somewhere, with younger prospects the better bet.
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Obviously, it depends on how the draft goes...
But it might be the best of all worlds if we could pick an LT up in the early-mid rounds and sign Bell to a contract laden with playing-time incentives.
Since the draft doesn’t seem to be brimming with high-end pass rushing prospects, maybe it’s better to give ourselves more flexibility on the offensive side. Don’t forget that Marcus McNeill, the Charges LT (drafted out of Auburn), was selected in the 2nd round in 2006, a pick that absolutely screams “Buddy Nix likes me because I’m 6’7”, 337 lbs. and I play in the SEC", IMO.
I don’t know that I have a ton of confidence in Hairston being able to play LT (though he might) for the long term. In any case, competition is never a bad thing.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
Citi Field loves the mets so much it smothers them. -the caveman
Free agency happens before the draft; ergo, the Bills will almost certainly need to make a decision on Bell before knowing what they might be able to pluck out of the draft pool.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 6, 2012 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
I didn’t have that chronology specifically in mind, but I didn’t mean we should wait for the draft before we sign Bell. I don’t think that signing Bell precludes us getting a LT in the draft. Hence, the playing time incentives part.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
Citi Field loves the mets so much it smothers them. -the caveman
all depends on Bell
The play at tackle surpassed expectations, but they still need to find a way to stay healthy. Perhaps Gailey will start requiring the linemen to wear the leg braces during the season. Who would have thought at the beginning of the 2011 season that we would be generally comfortable having Pears, Bell, and Hairston as our tackles for 2012?
I expect Bell to re-sign, although it will be interesting to see if the Bills are still tempted to take a LT at #10 in the draft. There are several good choices available this year, but it seems doubtful that they would take a marginal upgrade at LT over the possibility of either a franchise QB (although I doubt there will be one worth taking at #10) or an instant starter on defense. Losing Bell to free agency could make this a more likely pick instead of looking for a sleeper OT pick on day three.
by SiriusRed on Jan 6, 2012 12:48 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Or CB. I agree with Sirius though, this may be the year to take a LT in the first if there is a good one there.
I really like Hairston as a swing tackle and hope he can start to pressure Pears in a couple of 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
It all depends on Gailey
Does Gailey want to stick with the quick strike attack? Or, did he go with the quick strike attack because he was concerned about the ability of the O-line to consistently hold up under pressure?
I would like to see them add a starter at LT and let Bell go b/c of injury issues. I’d like the see the Bills add a deep passing dimension into their passing game if the need arises. Teams were just sitting on those slant routes as the season wore on and the Bills offense looked uncomfortable for long stretches. Having that in the attack semi-regularly would be nice. The threw the deep ball some this year, but the consistency was pretty bad. Plus it seemed to often just be “go” routes when Fitzy saw a 1 on 1 matchup.
Also, Fitzpatrick lost his “groove” as he started having less confidence in the pocket and was bailing on throws even when pressure wasn’t there. What do I think they’ll do? I think two positions where Gailey feels he can make up for ability is O-line and WR. So, I don’t really expect them to add anything more than developmental players at those spots (if I were a betting man).
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Jan 6, 2012 12:55 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
Tried to rec’d, no sure it worked. Totally agree with your comment. Once defenses sat on the quickies and Fitz proved unable to hit open/semi open receivers it was all over. Partly Fitzs’ fault because there were times he had time and just missed but you gotta hope if he had time consistantly, he would have more confidence and make those throws.
Nix won't draft OT high...
but he sure ought to consider it. I’m not convinced the Bills have a superior OL. Before Fitz became the starter, OL was considered major weakness because they couldn’t protect the QB and couldn’t open holes for RB’s. The reason the Bills had the fewest sacks is because of Fitz and the quick passing game. The flip side is that Fitz threw the most interceptions. This all reminds me of the Dan Marino Dolphin days when he perennially had the fewest sacks, but threw critical interceptions under pressure. And the OL still cannot consistently open holes for the inside running game, most of the yardage seemed to come on draw plays.
I disagree with
and couldn’t open holes for RB’s
I don’t have stats to back it up and there were times you are right, but some of those big play runs had nice lanes and consistant small holes to get “move the chains” runs. They averaged about 5yds/carry, had to be ok run blockers.
What I would say is this (and maybe this sums our O-line up nicely): They did what they were asked to do for most of the season. Sometimes scheme allowed for success in the running game too, but overall Gailey and Nix have said they want big, physical O-lineman and that generally leads to being able to run. I totally agree with the lanes, etc. Just b/c they weren’t asked to “pound the ball” like a typical NFL offense doesn’t mean they didn’t open up holes or couldn’t consistently run out of an I formation or something along those lines.
Again, if Gailey decides to keep his scheme intact for the most part, I don’t see them really adding someone, I see them keeping Bell and bringing in some projects on the line. It would be nice if there were an injury if they didn’t have to move around players so much, but that’s another matter entirely and not totally (or at all) associated with tackles so I’ll digress….
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Jan 6, 2012 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
I’d like the see the Bills add a deep passing dimension into their passing game if the need arises.
I think the need has arose, but to be fair the fastest WR’s were injured.
"A deaf person can hear better than a ignorant person."- Unknown Comedian
I would argue, though, that it was scheme based b/c Gailey doesn’t believe that the O-line can protect more than the 1 shot a game or so. Most of the time, Fitz doesn’t have time to set up and get behind the throw (although when he does, he overthrows by a mile) so he just sort of throws it up out there.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Jan 9, 2012 7:52 AM EST up reply actions
nix did try to sign tyson clabo last year… i think he not hesitate to get someone in the FA if the price is reasonable…
You know what is ironic? Tyson Clabo tried to use us to get more money from Atlanta and a lot of us wanted him to come here, including me, and Erik Pears may have had a better season than him. I would be interested to see if it actually is the case. That would be very ironic if Pears had a better season than Clabo and Atlanta is paying him more.
Bottom Line: Bell much better than Hairston
Hairston did ok when pressed into service at LT, but he simply doesn’t have the quick feet you look for at that position. Bell does. The big question with Bell remains his possible fragility, but it is true that he made it through the entire 2010 season without injury, and his second injury in 2011 was a minor one. Banged-up o-linemen are a fact of life in the NFL (just ask Eric Wood) and it is unclear whether Bell is especially fragile or has just had some bad luck. That’s a question that the Bills’ medical staff should have the best chance to answer, and whether or not he gets resigned will likely depend on their opinion (and not that of fans, who have no actual medical knowledge about specific players). If the docs think he is reasonably durable, then the team would be crazy not to resign him and preserve continuity along the o-line. If the docs believe he is a perpetual candidate for IR, then he should only be brought back at a low price and another LT acquired this year.
Sure Bell is better that Hairston. He should be.
Bell is a rookie.
But we should be happy that he far exceeded most expectations.
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Jan 6, 2012 6:41 PM EST up reply actions
Bell Hairston is a rookie.
Fixed it for you.
.
When the job is finished no one remembers how long it took, just how well it was performed.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jan 6, 2012 8:14 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks. You know what I meant.
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Jan 6, 2012 9:16 PM EST up reply actions
Bell is an average at best OT....therefore
I expect the Bills to give him a huge contract, he will get hurt in game 2, and the Bills will put him on IR.
"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
I figure 3 years 9 million
With the first pick in the 2012 draft the Indianapolis Colts select Robert Griffen III
by Gpluehri on Jan 6, 2012 1:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I might be OK with that price……ideally it would be incentivized to include a target of games in which he is active or something like that or % of offensive snaps or something.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Jan 6, 2012 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
Yes
I think Bell has played very well at LT these last 2 years, sure he’s been injured – but you know what ? 3 Years for 9 million for a decent to good starting LT who only plays say 65% of the teams games (due to some injuries) is still quite good value in my opinion !
I think the price and terms of what you suggest are good – I have a feeling however someone will offer him a tad more and take a chance (Think 3 years 11 / 12 mill or 4 years 15/16 mill) It will be interesting to see if we can retain him. I sure hope so.
It's close to Midnight, somethings lurking in the backfield. Under the Bright Lights he cuts so fast it almost stops your heart. You start to scream, but he's in the End Zone before you make it. You're Paralysed.
Cause it's CJ Spiller - all Frickin Night, and no-ones gonna save you from the Beast that just struck ya. You know it's CJ Spiller ! You're fighting for your life against the Spiller Thriller tonight !
I don't think Bell would sign for that, it will prob cost more to keep him even with his injury history.
"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
A lot more. A LOT.
Some GM is going to see that he is a talent and offer him a 4 year, $16 million (backloaded in case he gets hurt so they can cut him, and loaded with incentives) and steal him.
We need to be serious with him or he will be gone.
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Jan 6, 2012 9:23 PM EST up reply actions
I would hope theyd try and land another big FA OT like they tried with Clabo last year.
If not, we need Bell back because Hairston isnt LT ready.
Screw you MSG, and screw you TWC!
I want my Sabres!
Johnathan Martin...OT Stanford.
The score dictated they pass
by norcaliangelsfan on Jan 6, 2012 1:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Haha, you’re such a homer, dude. :)
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 6, 2012 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
An OT with the 1st pick?
we have bigger needs.
Well, it is a need, so if there is a franchise guy there at #10 I wouldn’t mind them grabbing him. There are lots of picks in the draft, and if OBD rates an OT higher at #10 than a QB or a LB, then they should take the guy they rate higher (as long as it’s not a DT or a RB).
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
My view is that value in the draft works in a somewhat exponentially decresing manner.
I would rather have BPA with latter round picks, because at that point you are just looking for great players.
In the first couple rounds, however, you are looking for players that are directly solid guys that you need for your team, and I think the OT need is not high enough to do instead of slightly reaching for a WR or QB in the first 2 rounds or so.
But I think it all just comes down to philisophical differences, I can definitely see the opposing view.
i like the irony of this statement
only because, it has been a clear need, and not been “appropriately” addressed at any point, by most people’s standard.
If we had to pay Bell, the same money as a first round draft pick at the position, therefore creating competition for Hairston as well as adding necessary depth… It might be smart to accept that a draft is an overall picture, not just an approach to the biggest need soonest. most general managers accept that while it would be ideal to approach it that way, that isn’t always possible. sometimes, some needs go overlooked based on relative value.
all that said, picking 10th in the draft, we need an instant impact performer, who also fills a need. that almost guarantees a WR/CB/pass rusher.
honestly, if we are going to a 43… “pass rusher” can mean a number of things, and now, can be found in any number of rounds. elite ones go quick, capable are available in mid rounds.
WRs typically need to be selected in the first 2 rounds, to have an impact player. the same could be said for CBs, but of course, there are exceptions to both of these. it is possible to find them at any point, even after the draft… based on our system. i would prefer we draft a legit talent, not some 4th-undrafted guy who just happens to be tall and fast enough.
i doubt there is a QB there at 10 worth spending the 10. i am interested to see what the options would be in the 2nd/3rd, as it isn’t their considered biggest need, but honestly we don’t even have a backup QB, other than the one we are starting.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
I believe the Bills’ quick read attack was dictated by a lack of talent in pass protection and Buffalo should look to upgrade the left tackle position. Pears was better than I expected and while Hairston wasn’t a disaster, the draft day write-ups on him seem to be accurate; he’s a better fit as right tackle. I’d love to see Buffalo try a premium left tackle prospect in the first or second round one of these years just for the sake of trying something they haven’t tried since I was in the 6th grade.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Jan 6, 2012 1:58 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I don’t know if you’re referring to Mike Williams with your “6th grade” comment, but he was never a true LT. All of the scouting reports (except for the one the Bills prepared, obviously) said he wasn’t very athletic and that he should stay at RT. The Bills drafted him anyway and immediately moved him to LT… and the result was one of the biggest busts in the team’s history.
by SiriusRed on Jan 6, 2012 2:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Well, I guess the thing is this. Do I want them to do what they can to make a run at the playoffs next season? If the answer is yes, I’m leary of picking a LT in round 1. However, ultimately I want them to come away with a starter with their rounds 1 and 2 picks (this team still has enough holes) so if that means LT, so be it. They just need to be a significant upgrade over Hairston/Bell. This team has (many years) drafted just to replace departures for a while now and it has lead to treading water in a sea of mediocrity. (particularly at the HB and CB positions, but even the Poz pick).
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Jan 6, 2012 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
A Franchise LT should be available to us at #10
There are 3 potential franchise LTs in this year’s draft and I believe that there’s a good chance that one of them (Martin or Reiff) will be available at #10. I like either one.
Hairston is too slow to play LT, he will compete with Pears at some point.
d.Bell is not consistent and always hurt. I do not want to rely on Mr. GlassMan.
Levitre/Wood/Ubik are very strong, Pears has proven to be very reliable both in the run and passing game. So really, getting a top notch LT would really solidafy this line for many years to come. Hairston & d.Bell and Rinehart as great depth.
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
by keysh67 on Jan 6, 2012 2:19 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Why do we need a franchise LT?
We were able to get along fine in 2011 with a combination of Bell and Hairston, both of whom are good run-blockers and at least decent pass-protectors. Why does everyone want to waste a precious first-round pick on an LT when our current LT’s are doing just fine and there are other positions (DE and OLB) where our need for an upgrade is truly desperate? Just so we can say we have a perfect o-line? It makes no sense.
by Macktruck on Jan 6, 2012 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed
It’s good enough. Lets fill the bigger holes
by can on Jan 6, 2012 3:08 PM EST up reply actions
If there was a DE/OLB that was worth a pick that high then I think we would all agree that's the way to go.
But given the choice of reaching for a OLB, WR or CB I’d rather us take a highly rated T if he was available.
I haven’t looked into the prospects yet or mocks so I’m not saying there won’t be a bigger need position available at #10, but it sounds like it’s not a pass-rush or WR heavy draft this year.
"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
That’s exactly my point. BPA all the way baby!
I’m discovering that most people don’t like BPA, they want to fill pressing needs so bad they are willing to reach to get them. I’d have no issues if NIX would trade down a few spots but if the option is to reach or take a top rated OT, then let’s take the OT because we are not completely set on the line and getting a franchise LT would benefit us big time.
Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience
Michael Jasper
Where do you think the BIG MAN fits in with the O-Line? I know he’s a backup but with time maybe he’ll get to start. The man is HUGE……. And athletic.
I love me some Amish Rifle.....
I don’t think he makes the roster next season if I have to hazard a guess.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Jan 6, 2012 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
I knew he’d come up! :)
Michael Jasper will appear in our guard/center post, because, well, he’s a guard.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 6, 2012 2:34 PM EST up reply actions
I knew he’d come up! :)
Another bet?
"a play in which nothing happens, that yet keeps audiences glued to their seats". -Vivian Mercier - a description of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"
According to Beckett, Godot was a metaphor for the Buffalo Bills :-)
He's fallen down that slippery slope apparently ;)
"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
The team gave up the fewest sacks in the NFL
That is pretty amazing. Was there anything other postive statistical measure that the Bilss finished first in?
I don’t care how fast Fitz was throwing the ball, we have to be thrilled with how this unit performed. Either there is more talent there than we are giving them credit for, or we have a great OL coach, or both.
We should be celebrating this and look at how to build more depth etc. This gives us the ability to focus on other areas of weakness on the team
As long as Gailey is the coach...
We don’t have to worry about OL as much…
We need another mismatch in the passing game (WR or TE) and then defense defense defense.
I thought the OT’s played pretty well this year
Remember when Pears was considered the weak link on the offensive line, way back in the summer months?
not really, I mean I remember Poz, Jason from ohio and therealtruth saying he was weak, but this guy remembers all that criticism being incorrect and fighting to the death (I love hyperbole) to absolve Pears of negative criticism up until that point.
Same goes for Urbik – he was getting manhandled here yet turned out to be on hell of a player. One thing I’ve found over the years – film study takes you much further than watching the game live one time..
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
I should also say that if I recall correctly Brian you said that Urbik was the “weakest link” on the offensve line – did you write an article about opening up competition there?
i’ll see if I can find it…
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Jan 6, 2012 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
ya, I thought I remember that article!
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Jan 6, 2012 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
I did. I watched Urbik extensively in limited action in 2010, and thought he was pretty dang mediocre. He really came into his own this year.
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by Brian Galliford on Jan 6, 2012 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
i agree
i still think Pears plays too tall. He got better at positioning, but his feet aren’t his best attribute, and he struggles with both power, and speed, some of the time. but then, what guy his size, wont get out-leveraged, and/or occasionally beat by a good speed rusher. Obviously our line was better than expected: fewest sacks in the league is not just the system, or Fitzpatrick. This unit should have been pushed a little more, in my opinion, in developing some run fits, and doing some power blocking, instead of almost entirely zone blocking…because good defenses will clean up back side runs, as often as front side runs. we need to be able to go straight ahead, sometimes.
but i thought that Urbik was JUNK. I didn’t see him use his size, he consistently was in the wrong place on zone blocks, and it appeared like Wood was suffering from having to do too much to make up for Urbik’s mistakes. That said: he played like a totally different person, who actually knew how to use his body, as well as understood where he was headed. Perhaps it was a system issue, but right now, i think he is our best lineman, because he can be so dominant, and ended up just as versatile as Levitre.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
film study takes you much further than watching the game live one time
no question, but even then… it is easy to see things differently. it takes a level of guesswork, when you have to assume what should have happened, and how that breakdown occurred on the particularly ugly plays, of which there were quite a few. as a unit, on the whole, they got a heck of a lot better, which i will have to say is most likely Chan’s time and coaching effort, that would normally not get accredited… so i am presenting said credit.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
it takes a level of guesswork
some but not much – most plays you know what was suppose to happen. it’s not rocket science
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Jan 6, 2012 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
Agree, but there are the instances where people jump to blame the wrong guy.
I remember Hairston (or Bell?) getting hammered about not picking up D. Ware on the first snap of the Dallas game. Ware came in untouched and sacked Fitz.
The line had shifted to the right and Freddie was supposed to pickup Ware on that play. That protection was a bad decision IMO by Fitz, but it’s one of the few examples where initial impressions on responsibilities can be wrong.
Usually watching OL means looking for 2 things: Did he get beat one on one? Did he block air? After that you can get into details about anchoring, reaching and combos.
"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
right
this is a good example of how you can see it one way, rewatch it on tape,and maybe see it the same way… but that doesn’t mean you are seeing it right.
I remember that play, and you are right… it was a little excessive to accept Fred would take Ware out, but sometimes, showing your teammate that kinda faith, works out really well when you NEED him to step up big. I would try it a few times, and if it didn’t work, i would stop. i think that some leeway must be afforded these guys. they are trying different things sometimes too, and they guess wrong.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
lonestar_ak
If Roscoe Parrish can block Jarret Johnson, I think Fred can handle Ware. I didn’t see the play but even if he messed up, I think that he can handle that matchup.
Do you remember this?
zone blocking
is mostly what i mean. sometimes you have to assume something about a guy’s responsibility that might not be true, because adjustments are being made mid play.
ABAYARDE IS NOSTRADAMUS JUST WATCH WE WILL NOT YIEALD TO NOBODY YOUR SOUL WE WILL TAKE
I'm with many of you...
Would I take an upgrade at either of the T positions? Sure, but I think as long as Bell’s durability is confirmed by the team’s med staff that T should falls way at the bottom of the positions to address or upgrade. From least important position to upgrade or address, I think T is probably #3—only RB and G ahead of it.
Let's play.....Who am I???
I played 33 of 48 games…I played very well when I wasn’t hurt. I’ve ended the season on IR twice out of the past 3 years….
I played 31 of 48 games…I progressed and played at a high level when I wasn’t hurt. I’ve ended the season on IR twice out of the past 3 years….
First one is Eric Wood….
Second one is Bell.
Remarkably similar aren’t they???
I’m gonna shake up the boards here with this comment….“I see more upside with Bell than I do Wood….”
Eric Wood is constantly prodded as being a LONG TERM solution at center – DESPITE his injury woes. If Bell was a first round draft pick that would we consider him the same upside as Wood?? Is it because Bell didn’t yell at Maybin that we don’t consider him a leader?? Let’s be honest, when Bell played, he’s played very well and as Brian said…sometimes SUPERB. he has also progressed and gotten better as his strength increased and as he’s gotten more game reps. He IS a long term LT solution. Just pay the man and get him some depth.
by BuffaloFanFromCT on Jan 6, 2012 3:17 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
I’m just very happy that they performed better than most/all expected.
Can we just pat them on the back for one ding-dong day before we talk a bunch of stuff about why they need to be upgraded?
Least amount of sacks in the NFL.
Just saying.
"My new cat just farted on my lap. Smells like Bills football." BG.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Jan 6, 2012 6:57 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I think....
Bell really improved throughout his career and is a solid Lt. Tackle when healthy.
It is a tough spot for chixy, just like Fitzy. Nothing is ever easy in Buffalo. Bell is really the only left tackle on the roster and is very injury prone. I don’t know how high I would go, but he would be missed big time and I think his eventual contract will be pretty high. After all, he is a left tackle.
PodunkO - The great post ender!
If D. Bell is injury prone than what is Erick Wood
Both players were having very good years. The offense was clicking like I haven’t seen im many years. The running game or should I say F. Jackson was having an all pro season. Yet D. Bell is considered the step child to Eric Wood’s family. It’s my opinion that if Bell didn’t bust his collarbone, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion right now. His progression last season and the start to this season should be proof enough what we have at left tackle. What we don’t know is the health of DeMetrice Bell or the educated opinions of the professionals that over see the health and medical conditions of the players. He is young and has not reached his ceiling yet. Do we mortgage the farm to keep him, hell no, but do we lay down a contract that will reward him for excellent play, absolutely. A healthy DeMetrice Bell is one less problem for the Bills to worry about and a backup in Chris Hairston solidifies the position going forward. I don’t know if anyone else would agree, but Pears also improved as the year went along. Now he has a year under his belt, as does Hairston in the system and our offensive line is far from broken so lets not fix it.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
Wood is also.....
Injury prone.
Both players have missed major time throughout their careers…..
Bell just had surgery on his knee.
Wood just had a walking boot removed…
Can’t we get a couple players that are very good, very consistent, ascending, and of high character? Huh, please? Just a couple? Sigh….
Go Bills!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
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