offde-fence

There was a post I made a week ago or so saying something similar. It just angered me to think that if the Bills were putting together different schemes, why telegraph it to everyone, especially the Patriots. They are one of the best, if not the best, at game planning. We just aren't good enough to show our hand yet. And, we're proven not to be smart enough to fool anyone with trick planning - except in Special Teams. The Patriots came out against us one year with like two defensive linemen, and like five or six linebackers, and a bunch of secondary - I don't remember exactly, except that it was a very strange formation. They might even have been standing...the point is, everyone was like - "what the @#%^$ is that!" It was NEW and there's no way we knew it was coming. Until we prove to be good enough to go out and enforce our will on opponents, we should stay much quieter.

I've always thought DiGiorgio performed good for us. Maybe not ideal size for the middle, but adequate and fast. Could he be an upgrade over Ellison?

According to PFT Levi Jones cancelled his trip to Seattle due to other more promising offer(s). Well, he was just cut, just available now without a trade, and I can't think of too many teams in need of a LT as much as the Bills.... it could be that we are that Promising Opportunity. Whichever team it is, it has to be one where he thinks he'll get a shot at playing, and maybe a decent pay. Seattle has an old, but very good LT that he'd probably be looking to backup. He's gotta be heading to where he thinks he's got a shot at starting, and the Bills could be that team.

I can't say this enough: The Giants showed the league how to beat the Pats. Pressure Brady. Send a group in every play that can put consistent pressure on him. These guys pass to set up the run, and with that kind of determined pressure, we'll be able to handle the run, too. Leave the back five on man to man. Brady has shown time and again (not unlike other QB's) that he is prone to having bad days when he's being knocked around. We've given it to him in our stadium. What do we have to lose, anyway? They always beat us. Lets try an approach that has risks, but also has promise. And, at the very least, we'll welcome Tom Brady back with a face full of turf all game long. If New England's game plan hasn't changed much, the Giants gave us a blue print for beating them. And, we've got the personel to do it.

This apparant lack of stimulating community might, if not designed, end up being a good thing. Players need to be centered and focused on their playbooks and their job, and at their salary, they should be doing little of anything else. They get a two or three month off-season -- which most of us could only dream of (I get a weeks paid vacation per year). I'd think it might be a great place to hold camp. Few distractions, and little coverage. I hate to say it, but I like coach Ryan's style already. I would just love to hear some of his words coming out of the mouth of our Coach. We could use a Bad Ass, we're gonna hurt you and push you towards submission, confidence.

I found this site, http://profootball.scout.com/2/860936.html, which lists the best available Free Agents per position: The list is not current to recent signings, but what is left is a large number of well known players. I always apply a certain math formula to my interpretations of players, and even game outcomes. Anyway, the list is a page deap for each side of the ball, there being so many to list, and it is only the particular writers notions of who is the best. Still, there were a lot of names, in positions of need for the Bills, still out there. Here is a little mathematics - layman style - If there were a 25% chance for this crop to be successful - i.e., one out of every four can come back and play good, then that means the Bills F.O. might have considered those available players and that group might have had an affect on our draft. Maybe F.O. thought that Levi Jones was going to be there soon, and maybe cheap. There's a deep list of LB's that I hadn't considered. Some of these guys have since been picked up, but there are many still out there. Let's see if the F.O. will go after a few more veterans. I think their salary cap has room. If it really is all or nothing this year, they might as well add as many competive veterans as possible; they bring experience, and we're still a pretty young team.

He's proven he can play, and at a high level, but, he's proven also to be prone to injuries. If he's hurt, he's no good to us, and if he has health problems that impede his play, he's not a great option; but, if the Bills could sign him to an incentive laden contract - one that pays for production and has protection against injury, then they absolutely should be one of the first teams to try. Once again, I have to believe that the Bills front office know what the guy's really worth, more than we, the outsiders, do. If he can still play, then I'm guessing they'll pay.

I was reading the post about what our defense needs to be great...and I was thinking that barring injury our defense should be better this year, and we were 14, I think, last year. But, our offense has been injected with talent, except the O-line, which could be better still, and if that talent translates into a much better offense, we could see a more rested, more apt to take chances defense. One of Trents better attributes is that he keeps the offense on the field. If that improves, and we add points to it, then our defense, without the additions, would be better. So, I was just thinking that maybe if both squads are better, they'll impove that much more - which isn't noted "on paper". Special teams will always give us good field position.... There is that hope that slight improvements on both sides make a larger difference than is at first apparent.

I couldn't believe they passed on E. Brown. We could've walked away with bookend DE's for the next six years. And, immediately, one of them could've filled in on the WLB position on running downs. That was my big question mark. And, into the fifth round and on, I'm surprised they didn't go for a natural LB. The DT position was pretty weak, so I'm not surprised by that. But I predict everyone is going to regret passing on Everette Brown. I'm hoping the Bills prove to be smarter than me by picking Maybin and leaving it at that.

Our Defense appears to have two weaknesses: DT, and OLB. We don't need the best OLB, since our guys are decent at coverage, and our corners and safeties can tackle. It's the DT that hurts the most. Getting the ball stuffed down your throat is no fun to watch, but, with Stroud we did improve some. I think if we had another top DT with Stroud, we'd have a top five Defense. Our secondary is great, and with a healthy Schoebel we can pressure the QB. It's just those small yardage runs that we can't stop, and those intermediate pass routes that killed us last year. We'll have to wait and see. As it is, I think our Defense will finish 8-12, improved from 14 last year. I recently read that Simeon Rice wants back, and that he believes he still has everything - enough to be in the league leaders in sacks. I'm hoping we give the guy a shot.

Trent can be a good quarterback. There are all types of good quarterbacks, and ours just happens to be the kind that needs a little time to throw, and who needs a little more success. It was evident last year he got mentally challenged by being afraid of being hit. He was being pressured a lot and there weren't a lot of open recievers open before he was being chased. And then he got spooked, and for a while he couldn't throw more than a screen pass. I think if he conquers the mental part of it and we give him a little bit of protection, he'll be a damn good QB. He'll never be tough, though, in the sense that he can take a lot of hits. He is just too small framed, physically. We've got to keep him upright. And, I think that can be said of a lot of QB's. Payton Manning could've done more with us last year than Trent did, but he wouldn't have responded mentally like Trent did during that five game stretch in the middle of the season. Hopefully, he's over that susceptibility to fear.

I was just thinking about how promising, or at least exciting, this year will be for the Bills, which led me to think of how teams are really lifting every rock to look for ways to get better and to be innovative, and then I considered all the teams that could be really good this year, and it looks like there will be some fantastic football played this year. A lot of good teams, and a lot of teams that could be just getting there (Atlanta, Washington, Houston, for example). It's hard to even guess who'll be on top this year, and usually it is fairly obvious who will be in the top four or so.

Simeon Rice has spoken publicly about his desire to return to the NFL. He says he's still more than capable of being one of the best, if not the best, and that he was injured his last season...all he wants is a workout, and it's not about the money. Well, I say bring him in for a year and let him try to be the best once more! I also like the Bills trying out that former DT, Wendell? Those two moves, coupled with Shoebel, Maybin, and Stroud, would give us a real nice line...

I was just reading an NFL.com article about the top veterans likely to be pushed by rookies this year. Pickett was listed, as the Packers selected B.J. Raji in the first. Didn't Pickett play in a 4-3 defense the last few years and do a good job of it? If they are planning on turning him into a second stringer, I think he'd make a fine aquisition by the Bills. He's probably better suited for the 4-3. Do we have anyone the Packers would be interested in? I know, the Packers aren't big players in free agency and they like to keep and teach their own; but, this could be a good value trade scenario for Buffalo, if, that is, the F.O. feels about the DT position as I do - it should be improved. Who could we throw out there? Any thoughts?

Chris Brown on Bills website stated that the Bills wouldn't be looking at Foote because he doesn't possess the type of skills neccessary for our defensive scheme. I agree, and wish we would've tried to sign Indy's linebacker while he was available, Kaioha - or however you spell it. We had, a few weeks ago, like three or four legitimate upgrades For Our Scheme - Tampa 2 linebackers. Now, I think the only Vet still out there is Brooks. I'd sign him in a heartbeat, at a reasonable price, to a two year deal. Gotta think he'd be an upgrade, not to mention all the experience he could bring to the table. His knowledge of the scheme, and wisdom from playing in so many real life situations, would be worth a little extra dough, I'd think. We'll see what the F.O. does. They can say all they want about how happy they are at any position, but the truth is always revealed when they go out and try to sign someone. I hope they pursue OLB and DT, still. Unless Mcargo is really ready to play.

I think this TE, like all the other players coming out of college, has no secrets about his abilities. Every team in the NFL will know, according to their scouts, what a players strengths and weaknesses are. That said, I agree that our coaches should use a little more discretion in discussing players and schemes and such (No Huddle being advertised). Sure, most teams will know enough already, but we're not good enough yet to telegraph our plans, so I'd like to see a secretive approach more. And for this players blocking skills - we didn't draft him for blocking. Whatever he can add to that the better, but we wanted him because he's fast and can catch the ball. We're looking for our own Gonz, or Gates.

I'm thinking it is based on coverage skills. That linebacker position for us has lately been a glorified and bulked up safety. I know we depend on coverage from that position, but, I can't say that I recall us being ran on a lot to that side. Anyone know if that has been really vulnerable for us - the run to that side? It seems like we've been killed up the middle more than anything. Well, he's bigger than most running backs he'll see, so he better be able to tackle them if they come his way, and with the added strength of coverage skills. Thinking about it that way, it seems like we really need solid DE play from that side, and since we've not had notable DE play on that side, I'm surprised it doesn't jump out at me that we've been attacked there more.

Damn, with this schedule, it'll largely depend on how we make out with the close games. We lately have six to ten games that are won or lost by a touchdown or so. Our record could end up being 6-10 or 11-5, again, because this is a nasty schedule. There are some bright spots, however. First, if we do make the playoffs, we'll be tested. We'll have faced the best and should by then deservedly have confidence. Also, there'll be no excuses for Juaron this year. He's had enough time to both fill out his own roster and to implement his own system. What we see this year is a team as envisioned by D.J. I for one am very curious about that. The most successful teams (Philly, Stealers, Indy, Patriots) have teams that have a certain character, as defined by their coaches. Year in and out their fans know their team will end up with approximately 10-13 wins, and almost always be in the playoffs. This year Dick can begin a run with the Bills, or we'll be seeing a new coach in 2010. I'll go on the record in support of Dick Juaron. As a coach, he lets the coordinators run their respective shows - and as April is a testament, their ceiling is the respective unit's ceiling. So, our coordinators will also be proving themselves this year. My only real complaint about D.J. is that he never appears confindent enough in his team. He never says, "We are going out there and are going to out play our opponent." Instead, he's apt to say, "You never know, in this league things are so close, the ball can bounce one way or the other - let's hope it bounces our way today." Blahhh...that talking only leaves room for excuses. This year, there won't be room for anymore of those.

...by the way, what does your son say the Bills need to win to get to playoffs? He's funny...I don't think he really understands the win/loss thing as it applies to the wildcard, rather he seems to have 11 wins in his head as a sure fire number to win the division, which, he's absolutely certain they'll do.

Josh does seem like a very good slot reciever. He's shown he can find the soft spot, and make the clutch catch. I recall a game last year where he made like three first down catches in a row, all pivotal catches. With Nelson's speed, throwing Roscoe into the mix would definately seem to create a mismatch with LB's or Safeties. I think having Owens here will prove to be a good thing for our second year guys, too. Johnson and Hardy now have two premier mentors - and between the two, one of them should be good enough, and hopefully both, to step up next year, and they shouldn't feel too pressured this year, giving them the opportunity for a smooth transition. I think early failure can really mess with a guys future progress (Josh Reed), so this should go well for our young guys. I really like our reciever group better than any other team's. We have unique skills in different ways - small and fast, blocker/solid cathcer -Reed, and tall jumpers. Our OC has just about every kind of weapon that a OC could ask for, considering our TE's and RB's strengths and versatility.

I've been having this conversation with my son for about a month now. I think the Bills need to get to at the least ten wins, maybe eleven, to make the playoffs. When I look at the schedule, I think this is going to be an interesting year. It is a pretty tough schedule. If they can make the playoffs, they'll be pretty tested. But, barring winning the division, they'll probably have some tough competition for a wildcard.

Time will tell with the O-line. I consider myself pretty objective, and I like the looks of our new line more than the old one. I don't think anyone is saying we'll have a better LT, but that the line will act as a whole better. Reasons for optimism: these guys are real smart, they know what position they're in - so they should take it personal to bring back stability there, and toughness - these guys seem tough, and we need that. With our backs we should be able to get 2-3 yrds if we need them. It's just as easy to say there are 2 rookies and new positions for each, and Butler and Walker playing new roles on top of that, and Hangartner being used in the past as more of a backup. True. I just percieve this group as being a group, and of being capable, and of having an identity. They seem like they are set on bringing back an attitude to the line. That's what I'm expecting to see.

I don't understand, and haven't in a while, why the Bills don't consider bigger DT's. Run Stuffers. I know the Tampa 2 philosophy is pressure and speed, but why not let the outside pressure, and if it is going to come up the middle, from the linebacker? It doesn't seem like any of our DT's since we took on the Tampa 2 style have been sack machines, and we certainly haven't been tearing up opposing QB's...or running backs. I'd like to see them add a big DT that can clog up the middle.

Seems like he'd be asking for a lot, and if we've got - even 5 million a year, and I'm guessing he'll be asking more like 6.5 - 7 - I'd rather finish filling holes in the D. Wouldn't Henderson or a good OLB make more sense?

As far as talent, I'd say there are at least twenty teams in the nfl that'd love our secondary. Every team in the nfl is chasing our ST. Our recievers are arguably in the top four overall. I'd take our three top RB's over just about anyone's. We've got to be in the top five there. So, our only questionables are LB's, DL, OL, and QB. Our QB has promise and this season will tell; at season's end he could be top ten or bottom five. I'm leaning towards him being really Good with adequate protection. Our D-line, with Schoebel healthy, and add Maybin, might be pretty nasty. Maybe top ten. If our OLB spot gets filled nicely, then we've got at least middle of league talent there. And, our O-line looks one proven LT away from being one of the most promising in the league. So, these glasses might be tinted, but I'm seeing plenty of talent to compete.