Chan Gailey: Buffalo Bills To Play Shawne Merriman At Defensive End
by Brian Galliford on Feb 24, 2012 10:04 AM EST
in Buffalo Bills News
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PrintWith the Buffalo Bills transitioning from a base 3-4 defense to a base 4-3 under new defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt, one of the more difficult players to slot into the new defense has been veteran pass rusher Shawne Merriman. The issue goes beyond his well-documented injury issues; the career 3-4 outside linebacker doesn't have a snug positional fit in the new defense.
Speaking with The Buffalo News from the 2012 NFL Combine, head coach Chan Gailey made it very clear that if Merriman is healthy enough to contribute next season - and he's clearly skeptical about that - Merriman will do so as a situational pass rusher from the right defensive end position.
There had been some thought that Merriman could play the vacant SAM linebacker spot and add a rush threat from there (again, if he's healthy), but Gailey quickly put an end to that idea: ""I’d rather him not," Gailey said. "I think we’d rather him be a right defensive end rushing the passer all the time."
Given that Merriman is still an injury risk and is probably not an every-down player at this point, are you OK with the idea of Merriman entering 2012 training camp as a situational pass-rusher, Bills fans?
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Given that Merriman is still an injury risk and is probably not an every-down player at this point, are you OK with the idea of Merriman entering 2012 training camp as a situational pass-rusher, Bills fans?
Yes
by MattRichWarren on Feb 24, 2012 10:10 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Agree
I wish his injury history didn’t dictate that Merriman only be a situational player. I’d prefer he be an every down player. But, I’d rather see him on the field occasionally and end up lasting an entire season, than see him on the field every down for 2 games and then go on IR.
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 24, 2012 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
Yes sir.
"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." - C.S. Lewis
by BruceSmith78 on Feb 24, 2012 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, because that "situation" comes up more often than not in today's NFL.
"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
Agreed
Look at how successful John Abraham has been in Atlanta since they designated him a situational pass rusher. This will allow Merriman to do what he does best and keep him fresh.
"I'vvvvvvvve got a feeling....that Buffalo's going to the Super Bowl"
NNNNNNNoooooooo !!!!!!!!!
Lights out is life less. Take him Kelsay Edwards and Johnson and through them of the falls. Nix needs to know when he messed up. How about giving this guy a 2 yrs contract in 2010 before he even played a down.. That reason is he got hurt right after we bought him in…. I would rather sign Abraham to play that situational pass rusher. He has had his injuries. But he produces when he’s out there. Just put up his sacks agains t Kelsay / Merriman’s..
i too say why not?
with exactly zero pass rushers we can use any that we can get. if he IS one… then we use him. duh. ; )
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 24, 2012 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
I totally agree. If they truly want him as a situational guy instead of a guy the HAVE to depend on, then I’m OK with. Last offseason, whenever they were asked about Merriman, they basically said “Hey, don’t forget about Merriman”. So…if they address pass rusher in other ways and see him as a bonus, if healthy, then yeah, I think that’s totally fine.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Feb 24, 2012 5:26 PM EST up reply actions
Is not like we have anyone else at the moment
So we now an every down right DE that comes off the field during passing downs..,who is that guy?
Not sure who that guy is, but if there’s an every down DE in the draft, we should grab him. Maybe start him playing just rushing downs, but then when Merriman inevitably goes down, we don’t have to worry about bringing a third player into the mix.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
My Merriman Stance
For some strange reason I feel and think he will be Healthy this year and if at Re he might just do his thing next to Dareus and Williams crossing flngers but we still need to draft someone to groom and if Merriman goes down.
by Jermain on Feb 24, 2012 10:16 AM EST via mobile reply actions
why not? we have invested this much.
For some reason I felt like the D was lacking something when he was hurt or I should say when he did play there was an element of inteligence and nastiness that we need at numerous positions. Plus I would flip out if he went somewhere else and was productive.(Pats)ahhhh@?%*
by itwasaforwardpass on Feb 24, 2012 10:25 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I don't get the situational part
Why wouldn’t he be the every down DE? I never understood him to be a liability against the run, am I wrong on that? At least when healthy, which I understand is an if, but if he is wouldn’t he be in there?
by As Smart as I Look on Feb 24, 2012 10:25 AM EST reply actions
Unless I'm mistaken...
it’s not his play against the run that would stop him from being an every down player. It’s his propensity for injury. Chan wants to use Merriman sparingly to ensure that he lasts an entire season. If he’s going to use Merriamn sparingly, then he may as well only put him in in passing situations, since pass rush is Merriman’s specialty.
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 24, 2012 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
He is very good against the run. That was one of the surprises from last season — he is in fact excellent at sealing the edge. So I don’t see why he couldn’t be a three-down player at RDE.
Agreed
Merriman was excellent against the run. Somehow he gained a reputation as a below ave run defender. If healthy, he would have little trouble manning the RDE spot. I can only hope he is healthy and on the field for a majority of snaps.
by WhatGoesAround on Feb 24, 2012 10:38 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think the way they have to view it is that he could be an every down player for 5-8 games, or a situational one for 12-16. I know, you can get hurt on any one play, but the more snaps, the more wear and tear.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Feb 24, 2012 5:27 PM EST up reply actions
3rd down pass rushing defensive end is probably his best bet to stick. That being said, I’d say it’s 2:1 he’s not on the opening day roster for the BIlls in any capacity. Buffalo should plan on his not being a factor and if he miraculously is, it’s a bonus.
"There's only one C.J. Spiller." -Buddy Nix
by Port Royal on Feb 24, 2012 10:25 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
He makes the team but..
Eddins becomes starter by 3rd game. I know everyone is going to say he only played preseason, but he made the roster opening day(undrafted) I think this kids will be all over the field this year. I know preseason is hard to judge. But the coaches obviously seen enough to give up a roster spot to an undrafted rookie.
by RiddickBillsFan on Feb 24, 2012 10:35 AM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Bold prediction. I liked what I saw from Eddins last preseason. I would love to have him surprise me with a demonstrated ability against the run.
by WhatGoesAround on Feb 24, 2012 11:02 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Enormous question mark
Listening to Chan (as opposed to just reading the transcript) I came away with the sense — which Brian picks up on as well — that Chan thinks there is very little chance Merriman is ever going to be healthy or his former self again. In effect, there is a bit of split between Chan and Buddy Nix on this one, with Buddy still sentimental about the guy he drafted way back when. It would be just fine if Buddy is right, but my bet is with Chan on this one.
I’m not even sure it’s “sentimental” on Nix’s part. Who’s going to replace him? The rest of our pass rushers have just as much effect as Merriman right now – none. At least Merriman is a recognizable name that knows other players around the league and can advocate for Buffalo.
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
Citi Field loves the mets so much it smothers them. -the caveman
maybe
its just for the sake of mentoring the younger guys?
by Shadowfox524 on Feb 24, 2012 9:03 PM EST up reply actions
We can't afford to allow lack of depth dictate our defense's success in 2012
I have to look at it as irrelavant and as much as I would love to draft a top notch WR at #10 we need to continue to build the interior front seven on defense. My choice is still replacing Edwards at DT with the #10 pick with a pass rushing power defensive end. There has to be one, as far as Merriman being healthy and available, this is a must problem to have on defense. Still allot of this comes down to free agency signings and resigning some of our own free agents. We still have not seen our defense in full force because we have not been able to penetrate the middle of the o-line of our opponents. Last Season we missed Williams and Troup, they need to come back this year and make a difference, that will only enhance Kelsay’s and Merriman’s Stats and elevate the play of our potential #10 RDE that we get in the draft. Then there is still the lack of depth at Linebacker. This area can be down our priority list a little because we have returning past draft picks that should benefit from game experience and a solid offseason of training.
YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde
Why not?
but as soon as he gets hurt again, and he will, cut him.
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
by billsoferie on Feb 24, 2012 10:59 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Why not?
I think you answered your own question…with “and he will”
"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 :-)
by fansince60 on Feb 24, 2012 11:04 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hopefully Chan and Buddy Understand this Reality
I have enough faith in CHIX that I believe neither of them actually believe that Merriman will stay healthy, or is a player that can be relied on long-term. I think this is truely his last shot, given his IR status early last season and after his 15 minute practice session the season prior. Why not let him have one more try? If we draft someone (and I think they most definately will) and the rookie turns out to be better, then play the rookie and cut Merriman.
This announcement to me is simply what the plan of the moment is.
by RochBillsFan on Feb 24, 2012 11:30 AM EST up reply actions
Why not? They put all their eggs in the Merriman basket last offseason as their pass rushing hopes. Why don’t we think they’ll talk themselves into it again?
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Feb 24, 2012 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
but it is worth a shot
what do we save if we cut him now?
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
by billsoferie on Feb 24, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
right.
i agree with both statements. he probably won’t work out. doesn’t mean we give up before he fails. it is too big of a need.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 24, 2012 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
Is he going to be asked to take a pay cut?
Isn’t he making like 6 mil+ per year? If he isn’t an everydown player, i would think they would ask him to take a pay cut like McGee. To me it’s only fair. If he does then i’m ok with it, but if not, then no, i’m not ok with it.
Are we drafting Dino's now?
"6'6" monster receiver with a Terradactyl wingspan "....... Keysh67
by Billsfanstuckinthesouth on Feb 24, 2012 11:16 AM EST reply actions
I believe he has an incentive laiden contract that allows him to earn up to six million.
"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 Feb 24, 2012 11:26 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
right
which implies that if he SUCKS or is hurt, we won’t pay close to that.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 24, 2012 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah Im cool with it.
I saw on twitter back when we switched back to a 4-3, some fans were giving Merriman a hard time saying he would be cut for sure. He responded by saying something like that hes played 4-3 DE in the past and that hes athletic enough for the switch, rushing the passer is rushing the passer.
Lets Go Buff a lo!
Given that Merriman is still an injury risk and is probably not an every-down player at this point, are you OK with the idea of Merriman entering 2012 training camp as a situational pass-rusher, Bills fans?
No way – what makes anyone think he’d even be able to survive as a situational pass rusher? Cut him and his incentive laden contract and bring in youth.
I was on board originally with him but he’s shown me that he’s completely unreliable. Even when he was in the lineup he didn’t do much of anything.
Cut him and move on
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
He didn't seem to do much
After he was hurt our defense did not look the same.
I would say that definately cut him IF his contract was NOT incentive laden. Being that it is, it seems to me that unless he is making an impact on the field then he will not be a huge burden.
The guy has potential to still make an impact and I don’t think that his presence on the roster will prevent them from drafting a replacement at the position. I just don’t think cutting him at this point is the right move.
If we play him and he stinks, fine, cut him and start the rookies (which im assuming we will have drafted), or if we play him situationally and he gets hurt, cut him then, but there is no harm in trying him out as planned and seeing then if he pans out.
by RochBillsFan on Feb 24, 2012 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
Cut him and move on
I’m with you, time to cut the cord an move on… it’s wishful thinking that he will last the wholes season even if he is used sparingly..
.
It's easy to have faith in yourself and have discipline when you're a winner, when you're number one. What you got to have is faith and discipline when you're not a winner.
Vince Lombardi
It is wishful thinking.
And I’m wishing really hard. I hope my wish comes true, because the Buffalo Bills will be a better team is it does,
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 24, 2012 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
But what is the benefit if cutting him now? So we can save our $1.2M cap space, and free up a place on our 90-man roster?
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
But what is the benefit if cutting him now?
He’s 27 going to be 28 when the season starts and he’s at that point in his career in which his body is so broken down that he has to be a situational pass rusher? Isn’t that something that 34 or 35 year old DE’s do? Not 27 going on 28?
The benefit is to draft or acquire younger players that can play and get experience. Having him on the roster doesn’t do anything for the young guys. since we’re running a 43 we don’t need veterans to teach younger guys like we would if we were running a 34 because most guys in college and in HS have run a 43 so they know it. You just need veteran leadership to show the guys how to work and what it takes to succeed in the NFL.
Merriman takes valuable snaps in practice and in games from players that could actually be productive from us. Money isn’t the issue it’s developing players that will actually do something.
If the guy was in his mid-30’s then this would be o.k. But when we’re talking about a 27 year old being “at that point in his career that he’d only be a situational pass rusher” then you know already that OBD isn’t sold on him ever getting healthy because if they did then he wouldn’t be situational – he’d be a starter.
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Feb 24, 2012 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
He’s 27 going to be 28 when the season starts and he’s at that point in his career in which his body is so broken down that he has to be a situational pass rusher? Isn’t that something that 34 or 35 year old DE’s do? Not 27 going on 28?
I’m really not sure what this has to do with replacing him. We should get rid of him because he’s too young for the role he’s going to be playing? I fail to see the logic in that.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
Whoops, replied too soon...
The benefit is to draft or acquire younger players that can play and get experience. Having him on the roster doesn’t do anything for the young guys. since we’re running a 43 we don’t need veterans to teach younger guys like we would if we were running a 34 because most guys in college and in HS have run a 43 so they know it. You just need veteran leadership to show the guys how to work and what it takes to succeed in the NFL.
This much I certainly agree with, but again, I’m not advocating he makes the 53 man roster, I’m advocating bringing him in and not cutting him right now. Having him on the team doesn’t take away a spot for a younger guy. If they draft competition, so be it.
Merriman takes valuable snaps in practice and in games from players that could actually be productive from us. Money isn’t the issue it’s developing players that will actually do something.
Does a player really get fewer snaps in practice because Merriman’s on the team. We still need 90 guys practicing. He may get more first team reps, but even that’s probably not true if he’s situational.
If the guy was in his mid-30’s then this would be o.k. But when we’re talking about a 27 year old being "at that point in his career that he’d only be a situational pass rusher" then you know already that OBD isn’t sold on him ever getting healthy because if they did then he wouldn’t be situational – he’d be a starter.
That’s true.
But overall, I still don’t see a downside in bringing him into camp. If he really is healthy, we aren’t going to have a guy who’s better. If he’s not, then cut him when we get down to the final 53.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
We should get rid of him because he’s too young for the role he’s going to be playing?
No – it’s not that he’s too young to be playing that role like a Maybin would he’s too young to have that big of injury concerns in which the team is taking a past full timer that was on the field for every snap and delegating him to a situational pass rusher mode because of his bodies wear. There’s a huge difference between the 2.
Having him on the team doesn’t take away a spot for a younger guy. If they draft competition, so be it.
Well they should draft competition. If Merriman is there would that make them look somewhere else if they have already drafted a pass rusher? Say the Bills draft a pass rusher in the 1st or 2nd, if they still have Merriman would they go after another one in say the 4th, 5th or 6th? I’m not sure they would and I’d rather have him off the roster so they are forced to make a move there.
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Feb 24, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not sure they would and I’d rather have him off the roster so they are forced to make a move there.
I guess this is the fundamental difference in our opinions. I see no benefit in this. When healthy, he can play as well as most of the other players on our defense. Will he remain healthy? No, probably not, but I don’t think that will stop OBD from grabbing a project pass rusher for competition.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
Will he remain healthy? No, probably not
so what’s the point then?
If we know he’s going to get injured then why even bother with the guy?
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Feb 24, 2012 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
I’d rather 8 or 9 weeks of a healthy Merriman than 15 or 16 weeks of another mediocre player, which is why I think, until they find someone who’s that good, he should not be outright cut.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
So we shouldn’t bother with Terrence McGee or Eric Wood or Demetrius Bell either? When have those guys remained healthy?
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
Citi Field loves the mets so much it smothers them. -the caveman
McGee definitely not.
Wood and Bell would still be starters and full timers. We’re talking about a guy that’s 27 and his body is so torn up that he is only situational because of his injury history.
Comparing McGee, Wood and Bell to Merriman is not apples to oranges. McGee maybe but the other 2 definitely not
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Feb 24, 2012 4:22 PM EST up reply actions
Wood is 25 and Bell is 27. I agree Merriman’s injury history is longer, but where do you draw the line?
The guy is in competition with Danny Batten, Arthur Moats, Kyle Moore, and Reggie Torbor, for the love of pete. Those guys can be backups but he can’t? Exactly who are we not signing because we have Merriman in place?
He’s expensive – so what? He doesn’t actually earn much of it if he doesn’t play and we just rolled over $20M to the cap from last year. Who can we not sign for the $30M+ in cap room that we still have available?
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
Citi Field loves the mets so much it smothers them. -the caveman
The guy is in competition with Danny Batten, Arthur Moats, Kyle Moore, and Reggie Torbor, for the love of pete.
actually he’s not in competition with any of those guys.
None of those guys are pass rushers in the 43. Maybe Moats but Chan already said he’s going to be a LB probably backing up Morrison.
Exactly who are we not signing because we have Merriman in place?
How would I know? I just don’t want the Bills to skim on numbers with an infusion of new talent because of Merriman.
He’s expensive – so what?
Well first if he was expensive and unproductive then that doesn’t help our team. But his contract is incentive laden so he probably won’t cost us much anyways. Money isn’t my issue with him. It’s his inability to produce on the field and actually have a positive impact as a Bill
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Feb 24, 2012 6:50 PM EST up reply actions
actually he’s not in competition with any of those guys.
you forgot Batten. If he can carry any extra weight (add 20lbs – which his frame might not support), he is closer to a 43 DE, @ 6’4" 246lbs… he is close to “Merriman” sized. Which is Buddy’s “prototype” apparently.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 24, 2012 7:23 PM EST up reply actions
we kept Kelsay
Do you really not see the value in a DE, on OUR roster, when we don’t have any?
Even a .5% chance of success makes him worth the chance. Unless we find too many solutions to the problem, and then… go ahead and cut him. Assuming he will be hurt, or incapable of play, whether warranted or not, is ignoring his potential as well. if you just assume he will fail, and cut him, and he goes on to succeed, then we are even bigger idiots than giving him a chance, and seeing him fail. At least in that scenario, he has a chance to produce for us.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 24, 2012 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
Do you really not see the value in a DE, on OUR roster, when we don’t have any?
so I assume everyone thinks that I don’t understand our roster and what he could do? Because I certainly understand it and have defended it in the past.
I’m past Merriman because I don’t think he’ll ever amount to anything here. I think he’s going to keep getting injured or being unproductive.
I understand the argument because I argued it for months – I disagree with it at this point in time. kapeesh (sp?)
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Feb 24, 2012 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
so I assume everyone thinks that I don’t understand our roster and what he could do?
i don’t think this is an accurate assumption.
I’m past Merriman because I don’t think he’ll ever amount to anything here. I think he’s going to keep getting injured or being unproductive.
just because you have written him off, doesn’t mean those of us that recognize the need, aren’t recognizing that this possibility exists.
I understand the argument because I argued it for months – I disagree with it at this point in time. kapeesh (sp?)
Cappice. (i know, because Tim Milligan used to say “Cap Ice”.)
I understand that you disagree, and why. But it doesn’t mean that the need has somehow decreased, or we have other options outside of rookies, at this point in time. I am all for some other veteran solution, that isn’t Avril, and I don’t have a lot of faith in landing Mario Williams. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be any other options; or that Merriman is automatically out of the mix, regardless of how skeptical you (and I) remain. There is still a chance.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 24, 2012 5:23 PM EST up reply actions
But it doesn’t mean that the need has somehow decreased, or we have other options outside of rookies, at this point in time
The need other than QB is the greatest on the roster. In my opinion Merriman is done. I didn’t think he was but he’s proven me wrong. I argued for him for a long time and i’ve done nothing but eat my own hat and see him a) look unimpressive on the field and b) continue his injury history with IR after IR and more surgeries.
I love this plan! I'm excited to be a part of it! LET'S DO IT! - Venkman
by J2 on Feb 24, 2012 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
I didn’t think he was but he’s proven me wrong.
I hear you, and understand this is your view. I don’t share it, yet.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 24, 2012 7:24 PM EST up reply actions
look unimpressive on the field
you and i both know this isn’t entirely true. He did have SOME impressive plays, in ONE game, even if it was early in the year, or even just in the preseason. that coupled with time to heal again after that procedure, means there is still a relative small chance that he could maybe come back. considering how insignificant it is if he is healthy or not, relative to us keeping him…. I am ok with taking the chance still. We are going to add a buncha guys for that regardless… i don’t see how having a veteran around hurts. I wouldn’t (and don’t think the staff is) hinging anything on him. We picked him up off waivers anyway.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 24, 2012 7:27 PM EST up reply actions
considering how insignificant it is if he is healthy or not, relative to us keeping him…. I am ok with taking the chance still.
meaning he is almost no risk, and only reward. if he sucks and can’t go, we will cut him, i am sure.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 24, 2012 7:29 PM EST up reply actions
So we can save our $1.2M cap space,
I looked up Merrimen’s salary hit to the Bills, it’s a little different then the one you are showing. I’m sure there are different numbers floating around…
http://nyjetscap.com/Bills/bills2012.php
.
It's easy to have faith in yourself and have discipline when you're a winner, when you're number one. What you got to have is faith and discipline when you're not a winner.
Vince Lombardi
Yeah but.....
Do we know how the contract works…… Like…..waiving him now vs. two to six months later?
If it doesn’t matter, and we save whatever amount of 5.something million dollars by cutting him in august (to see if he can comeback) we definitely could use the money for Byrd and Levitre,right?
PodunkO - The great post ender!
I’ve heard various reports and theories on Rumblings, and that’s the first time I’ve seen a number that big regarding his cap savings if he were released. I’ve seen anywhere from the $1.2M is said above to $3M. I don’t know how much is guaranteed, how much is incentive based, etc. I doubt, though, that cutting him now saves the Bills $5.2M.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
OK
Better than being a home for wayward FA looking at retirement. Shouldn’t of signed him in first place. Bad management.
I'm my most interesting man in the world. That Dos Equis dude is my valet. And the Bill's will win SB in my lifetime:) I Believe!
by buffalobacker on Feb 25, 2012 2:58 PM EST up reply actions
I tend to agree. If he’s not going to be a part of the major flow in a game, his body won’t be as acclimated to the sudden bursts needed as a rusher.
Besides, isn’t Kelsay the RDE?
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 24, 2012 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
I say keep him for now
give him the chance to succeed, but at the first sign of injury then IR him and let him walk.
"It’s not news, until Rumblings say its news". -Doctork44
Depending on what it would cost to keep him
i would cut him and give it to Mario
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
we can't have...
enough depth on the rushing-the-passer position. put him in the lineup occasionally and wait if he stays healthy. for sure that doesn’t relieve OBD from picking a high class DE in the first round…
by billssupporterfromeurope on Feb 24, 2012 12:48 PM EST via Android app reply actions
Yah!!!
Where else would he theoretically lineup, right?
I’m in the camp not expecting him to be on the team. With his injury history and projected situational role, that is a big price to pay for hopeful impact. I’d rather go hard after a Cliff Avril or a handful of lower tier, healthy options that would be a better use of money.
~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 Feb 24, 2012 12:55 PM EST via mobile reply actions
OK, BUT....
as long as CHIX have an insurance policy in the form of a veteran FA or a high draft pick that can still put up decent numbers
Do We Really Have A Choice?
If he can play at all get him in.
Go big or go home.
by jackkemp15 on Feb 24, 2012 1:07 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Lot of money tied up at RDE.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 24, 2012 1:30 PM EST reply actions
Brian......
Is the one calling Merriman situational if I read the article correctly, not Gailey…..
I certainly see why Brian would say this, no doubt.
I think that if I were GM I would, number one, plan as if he is not on the roster. And should he make some real progress, much more than last preseason, you have agood problem.
I think, at the beginning, you bring him along slowly, or if you can afford to. But if he can play, it would be hard to not start him. He would have zero problem playing DE in a 4-3. Run or pass, he would dominate. He wasn’t a good player, he was great. Just one notch below Bruce perhaps…..
If he really can’t play, if it is like last year, waiting and waiting….. I hope we have someone better than an injured player to take that spot.
PodunkO - The great post ender!
Shawne is still a good problem to have
Achilles are tough but not impossible to come back from. While he’ll never be 100% anymore, Shawne at 75-80% of his old burst is still better than all but the elite 100% healthy rushers in the league. Assuming his shoulder is OK, he still has above average strength to pressure the QB or make a play on a run when pure speed isn’t required. NE is one of the few teams that will run no huddle on us and make it tough to get Shawne in on obvious passing downs. Hopefully we don’t play them the first time until week 4 or later next year. Bring him along slow and if he’s still playing strong by week 5-6, get him a few more early down reps where we don’t get caught trying to sub him in and can’t because the opposing offense runs a situational no huddle on us.
by AlwaysaBillinPhilly on Feb 24, 2012 3:16 PM EST reply actions
No
Not really. Merriman is just another failed attempt at getting talent on the cheap. We sign “has beens” simple.
I'm my most interesting man in the world. That Dos Equis dude is my valet. And the Bill's will win SB in my lifetime:) I Believe!
by buffalobacker on Feb 25, 2012 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
Front 7
Will probably look like below…im starting to believe more and more that they go after a WR, or OL with that 10th pick.
Kelsey – Williams – Dareus – Merriman
Morrison – Sheppard – Barnett
What makes you think...
that Merriman is going to be the starter? The main idea of this post is that if they use Merriman at RDE, he’ll only be brought in on pass rushing situations and used sparingly. So, why wouldn’t they draft an every down RDE and just use Merriman situationally?
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 24, 2012 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
I thought Kelsay was RDE?
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 24, 2012 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
Okay, maybe I read that wrong
But i thought RDE was weakside and LDE was the strong side? I figured Merriman would play on the side with no TE, and Kelsey and Morrison (if signed) would play the strong side. And Merriman basically would be playing more, if not starting as this is now a pass happy league, and i bet he would play 3/4 of the snaps against a team like the Pats style offense.
Please cut him and Kelsay
One is done the other never had it. You ask the bills FO you would think there pro bowl players
I think that he would best be used as a situational pass rusher, so this is a good move in my eyes.
Buffalo Rumblings
Where shoes are haute cuisine.
by CanadianBillsFan on Feb 24, 2012 7:20 PM EST reply actions
Yes
I have always felt that Merriman could be a solid producer for us. Most Achilles tendon injuries take two full years to heal. This should be his make it or break it year.
"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6
Merriman looked good
before he was injured, i say keep him as a pass rusher, but also we need to pick up some real defensive ends…
We cannot go to......
Training camp with Kelsay and Merriman as our best options. I don’t think there is a chance in hell for that.
At the very least ultra bare minimum they are going add tthe number two draft pick (whomever that be) to the DE mix.
I would hope that it would be quite a bit more………I would go for a free agent, the number one pick and a forth for good measure…..we really have no one there…..
Things in general looking up though, good news day!
Go Bills!
PodunkO - The great post ender!
Wow
Thats telling, when Chan clearly questions Merriman’s ability to be healthy enough to contribute. Might as well say if, big if, doubtful. But heres my plan. :)
I'm my most interesting man in the world. That Dos Equis dude is my valet. And the Bill's will win SB in my lifetime:) I Believe!
Merriman
Epic fail by Bill’s FO.
I'm my most interesting man in the world. That Dos Equis dude is my valet. And the Bill's will win SB in my lifetime:) I Believe!
really?
an incentive laden contract with minimal risk? He played well when he was healthy, obviously that didn’t last long. But lets see him in camp for one more year before we totally write him off. The defense was better with him than without.
Mario Williams.
^ this
Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.
Citi Field loves the mets so much it smothers them. -the caveman
Why?
The injury risk was always there. But there was also the “what if” scenario of him going back to form (that’s still there now that he’s finally had an operation on his Achilles tendon, personally I’m questioning what took so long for him to finally go under the knife because that’s the only operation he’s had).
When the Bills got him we had zero pass rush. The only thing that we could lose by trying him out was money. On the field, there was literally no negatives to bring him in because we had absolutely no one else providing pressure.
His contract is also heavily incentive based, and the big numbers that everyone talks about WERE NOT REACHED. sure they counted against the cap, but who cares, we were nowhere near it anyways!
Bringing in Merriman was an injury risk, that’s it. So please, explain how it was an epic fail.
Buffalo Rumblings
Where shoes are haute cuisine.
by CanadianBillsFan on Feb 26, 2012 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
i agree with all the above.... stopping at buffalbacker
low risk, high reward, still has potential, either way… minimal fail. Far from epic.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 26, 2012 5:09 PM EST up reply actions
Solid when he's healthy, and a good locker room presence
If he can play at all, and I like the sound of the ‘situational’ idea, then we’re a better team. He is a great leader in the locker room, and I don’t think its a coincidence that our team started going into the toilet about the time he went on IR.
He hasn’t cost us much vs. what he may yet still contribute. If he doesn’t, then its too bad. But if he does, then with our new defensive scheme, and other new players we’re going to add, we could suddenly have a very good pass rush!!
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