Astrobot

Hughes is disruptive on every play. Schwartz's scheme gives him one job, "see ball get ball", and it suits him well. His jump off the line immediately compromises protection, as the tackle is now out of position. If the tackle moves out to steer him past the QB, there's a hole for DT or LB. Hughes may lead the team in sacks due to scheme. Manny seems to be used for run downs or not at all. Just as much as the scheme benefits Hughes, it pushes Lawson out. He stands on the sidelines with Hughes and they joke and talk, but Manny's second string in this scheme. Hogan over Graham in catches, yards. Graham over Hogan in speed. Bryce Brown hits the hole, one cut and straight forward. Same with Dixon. If we can create holes there, still the main question, They'll be great runners between the tackles, maybe even guards. Lots of work today was on RBs catching passes out of the backfield, so yeah.

TJ had the very good TD tonight, in my top four catches. With he and Pears doing well, all that I thought was right, is wrong...

Thanks. I appreciate the appreciation. Not sure when I go again... Astro

My grandchildren are here but they were with the in-laws today, so I headed for camp. I have very little time to write this, and many people in and out of our aisle of the bleachers, so some holes. Many apologies. Session 1: Kickoff drills using Sammy and CJ Spiller alternating. I'm thinking, "They wouldn't use their best 2 offensive weapons on kick return, will they?" We'll find out in a week. Sammy waits until the last minute to grab the ball; it's unnerving. Session 2: Offense and Defense did first and goal drills. Only EJ and Tuel took reps. They moved the ball out to the 20 for red-zone drills. The OL was Seantrel-Chris Williams-Wood-Urbik-Pears, with Chandler on the RT side. Session 3: Calisthenics. This was when the loud music started, and continued throughout camp. I hope this helps the players. Best moment was when I see Fred Jackson (injured last night) run right at Pepper Johnson and dodge out of the way at the last moment. Thought Pepper would have a pooper right there.' Session 4-5: Offense worked on screens, first Tuel to Bryce Brown, and was made to do it over. Then EJ to Jackson, and Dixon to E-Rod. They'd have to run to the other side so there was less standing around compared to last year. Lewis let fly a nice pass to Mike Williams, who with Hogan were the shining stars of the offense today. CJ has on his red shirt under his jersey; Freddy is in black shirt, black, wrist bands, and black socks. MEanwhile, the D is working on various drills, including picking up a fumble off the ground almost at full speed. WRs are working on getting off the line around off-man and press-man. QBs are working on various step-back drills, and then a drill (again unseen last year) where they get the ball hiked to them and 2 coaches try and hit them with leather cylinders (sometimes hard) while they go through their reads, then pass. RBs are doing cones, stepping over the tops of them, then going zigzagging through them. LBs are reading the hole where the running back is going (done with the 5 garbage cans to represent the holes). There are 8 things going on at once; I counted 10 things the other day. Both are an improvement over the last several years. Less standing around. Observations: Seantrel Henderson is doing pretty well. He plays through the defender and through the whistle. Hairston is holding his own at Guard. Evan Rodriguez (E-Rod) is catching passes out of the backfield along with Summers. Both appear like it's easy. EJ is practicing handoffs to Spiller, Freddy, Anthony Dixon, and Bryce Brown, and Thad, Tuel and Dixon get some time, too. DBs are doing interception drills--you can tell why some of them aren't WRs. Gilmore looks great, and he and McKelvin spend lots of time next to each other talking. Corey Graham is elsewhere.I'm impressed with McClain's power off the snap but you can tell he's working on footwork. Chris Williams is huge, even next to Seantrel. RBs are practicing receptions out of the backfield, and Wingo was surprised by the ball (isn't this what you do for a living? Isn't this what the play was?). Expect him to be gone. E-Rod is looking better but it's still Chandler-Smith-Gragg right now with Moeaki gone. I saw the new TE; he's big but lumbers a bit. Session 6: One WR on 1 DB was fun to watch. Gilmore INT'd Watkins on the first play, but then there was a string of strong offensive plays. Goodwin made a great catch despite being held (flags were thrown). Mike Williams (I'm now a fan) made a nice catch for a TD vs Duke Williams, then Caleb Holley (practice squad potential) caught a TD over Michael Carter. Tori Gurley drew in a nice throw from Tuel, but then Chris Summers got a late pass in the back of the end zone from Tuel which was over his head. TJ Graham didn't see a pass thrown to him (ahem), then Corey Graham drew a PI penalty vs Woods, but it was a TD anyway. After an overthrow of Chandler we had Sammy effortlesssly catch a pass in stride vs Stephon Gilmore to even the score from earlier.Chris Hogan caught a TD vs Dukie Williams, then Thad had the right idea but wrong placement on a long one to Goodwin. Aaron Williams gets props for his great coverage. Lee Smith catches one but is flagged foir pushiNG OFF. Finally, Caleb Holley has a nice catch in the back of the end zone. Chris Summers again got a too-high pass on a fade into the corner. New TE Dominique Jones threw down his defender and drew a penalty. One of my 3 favorite catches was that of Marcus Easley in the corner on a fade, and Easley was seen after the drill giving props to all the DBs, most of whom were smiling. Woods was gummed up in man coverage, and didn't have a catch yet. Naaman Roosevelt had one of the oughest catches in traffic on the next play, and Mike Williams got away with a pushoff, allowing space between him and Duke Williams for the catch. Session 7: Red Zone: EJ was 4 for 4 in his series. His first was another of my favorite passes, a touch pass from the 18 yard line to the center rear of the end zone over CB and S to TJ Graham, pretty and in stride. He then threads the needle to Dominique Jones (yeah, the new guy who'd thrown down his defender) for a TD, then Throws a TD pass to Chandler who was covered by Duke Williams. He ends his series with a completion to Woods for 15 yards, so not a TD but close. Tuel did the 2nd team, and Dixon the 3rd team. Session 8: 11 on 11: EJ audibles at the line, and Hogan makes another favorite catch of the day, diving for a 30-yard pass play. EJ threw it so that the defender couldn't possibly have caught it, but it was to Hogan's credit that he did. EJ fakes to CJ right and bootlegs to the left for 5 or so, then the line showed excellent pass protection for 4 seconds, allowing EJ to hit Hogan again for 20 yards. Summers goes up the middle for about 2 (later his blocking wasn't good either, so I'm calling it now--4 RBs, no FBs this year). Gilmore picks off EJ on the next play as EJ goes for Watkins (later, Watkins will return the favor against Gilmore for a TD). Tuel comes in, Kouandjio is the RT and Hairston is the RG. When EJ returns, Mike Williams makes my most favorite catch of the day, the 50+ yarder you'll see in camp highlights for sure. After a blitz and likely sack by Hughes, EJ completes another one to Dominique Jones. Boobie goes for a long while up the middle (I'm saying 30 yards) with excellent sustained blocks from Urbik and Pears. Sessions 9 and 10 Kicking practice. The outside gunners are Corey Graham, Goodwin, Aaron Williams, Easley. The second group is Woods, Brooks, Robey, and Bryce Brown. First guys down to meet the ball? Easley and Hughes. Session 11: From the 12 (could have been 2-point conversion): They had Summers lined up as a WR, and Aaron Williams broke up the pass. NExt play, Easley tipped the ball but no defender got it. Next play was a TD Easley touchdown. The play confused the coverage, as two defenders went with one WR and Easley was the grateful recipient. Session 12: I watched OL guys go mano a mano for a bit. Hairston looks solid, Seantrel is more impressive each time I see him, and Cyril Richardson is a bulldozer. Comments: ---Mike Williams and EJ are developing chemistry that is palpable. I didn't believe Mike W when he said it wouldn't take much time at all. He was right. ---Kouandjio had a false start. Don't look for him to be running with the ones anytime early in this process. ---Jerry Hughes is going to the Pro Bowl. ---Meeks can hit. He shook up Wingo over the middle today. ---Dixon is a camp arm. No chance he'll be with the team after August. ---Kevin Elliott's drop of an easy TD in the end zone might have cost him a roster spot today. His injury at the end of practice might have been partly hurt pride. ---I don't want Sammy or CJ returning kicks.

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ This. Cordy knows how to play LT; Seantrel needs to be kept busy. Double Win, especially if we see that Seantrel is the real deal. We had him in top 50 a year ago at DraftTek.

Great point! I would add that we haven't had a DC this smart in a long while. Wade Phillips, 1995–97* (under Levy) Ted Cottrell, 1998–2000 (under Phillips) Jerry Gray, 2001–2005 (under Williams) Perry Fewell, 2006–2009** (under Jauron) George Edwards, 2010–11 (under Gailey) Dave Wannstedt, 2012 (under Gailey) Mike Pettine, 2013 (under Marrone) Jim Schwartz, 2014- (under Marrone)

Left early, I must have [Yoda voice]. Goodwin seemed okay, and I'm hearing Gragg will be back tomorrow too.

One more comment. Schwartz runs the best positional drills I've seen. Mike and I counted TEN different activities going on at once, including using coaches to simulate press coverage on WRs and on QBs (never seen during Pettine or previous Training Camps). Saw RBs pulling sleds. Saw some creative linebacker read-and-react drill where 5 garbage cans represented the offensive line, and one coach would tip one can, and 2 other coaches would run up through the opened hole, and the LBs had to meet those coaches right in the hole. That's It...Astro

EJ did some good things with pressure tonight. On three times, he pulled it down and ran to daylight. A couple times he shot a jump pass to a TE or RB. I think our DL will be one of the best in the league, so EJ got a lot of practice dealing with pressure. Especially Jerry Hughes!

Main Defensive alignment had M Williams, K Williams, Corbin Bryant, Jerry Hughes; Rivers, Spikes, Bradham; Leodis and Gilmore; Aaron Williams and Searcy. Main Offensive Alignment had Hairston, Urbik, Wood, CWilliams, Seantrel until he got hurt. First in at LG=Antoine McClain, Hairston did well at LT for quite a while. Legursky in for Wood.

I had lots of fun tonight, meeting Mike (MRags) and doing the spotting for the play by play. Some Winners From Tonight (in order of how they stood out) 1. Jerry Hughes---was in the backfield all night and will be a terror all year. While I like Manny Lawson, I think Hughes will be the beneficiary of Schwartz's D. 2. Sammy Watkins---Now I see what the bills brass saw in him. He made some circus catches tonight, sure, but also credit EJ for a couple of the throws, one exactly to the sideline and one deep. 3. Corbin Bryant---While I am a Stefan Charles fan, I saw good things from Dareus's understudy. 4. Bryce Brown was very impressive, even moreso than Boobie Dixon, and that will be fun to watch in preseason.Chris Gragg---After Scott Chandler, I thought Chris Gragg had the best night. Moeaki still acclimating, and Lee Smith is a blocker, period. 5. Dan Carpenter---he made 11 of 11, including a fire drill. 6. Aaron Williams---good INT while defending Woods. 7. Chris Summers---WR that nobody knows yet. A couple of very good catches. 8. Cyril Richardson---Held his own tonight. Good road-grader stuff, but can get in DL's way. Some Losers From Tonight: 1. Dennis Dixon---consistently overthrowing receivers. 2. Edawn Coughman---I counted 3 holds as LT. The ref called one. 3. Ramses Barden---First of all, he's a stick. A very tall stick that had a couple of drops. 4. Kevin Elliott---Wasn't his night. Tonight, TJ>Kevin. Some numbers from the Dombrowski vs Moorman kicking: Dombrowski's punts more hang time; Moorman's more accuracy. Dombrowski's punts in yards: 54, 55, 41, 44, 50, 45, 43, 51, 40, 45, 40, 42 Moorman's punts in yards: 40, 41, 34, 45, 50, 46, 38, 45, 45, 54, 48

We'll wait for you. I haven't left my house yet, but will stay at the Gift Shop Exit from 5:30-5:45

Drive. My wife is dropping me off, then it's a 5 minute walk to the field. 6:10. DM me your email, and I can transfer them Last call for Estelle Getty, if you want the tickets for tonight. DM me your email

Yep, I'm eating supper right now and then going over. It's 5 minutes away! Thanks!

Can't wait to see Stevie in the NFC Championship vs Richard Sherman. Hopefully his 49'ers win, and play us.

My daughter-in-law has been diagnosed with breast cancer, so I've been under the radar. She begins chemo Monday, so please send prayers.

Actually, I have three extra, and I figured out how to transfer them. Let me know. --Astro

I believe the Bills have added their 6 ST guys that Marrone and Whaley said they wanted. I'll name 10. Marcus Easley will stay on ST this year unless he's outplayed on ST by another WR. That's unlikely, but at minimum we have 2012's NFL's top solo tackler back and 2013's 18 solo tackles in kick/punt coverage, the 2nd highest total in the NFL. Preston Brown led his Louisville team in ST tackles in college--three years in a row. Ty Powell played 5 games last year, but was the 5th-leading tackler. He has the LB impact and the S range, and Alonso's injury made him a de facto member of the 53. Corey Graham NFC Pro Bowler for his strong ST skillshttp://http://espn.g...rivers-signings Keith Rivers has ST talent, but Alonso's injury may have put him off of ST. We'll see. Anthony Dixon has wedge-busting experience, and he's likely Frank the Tank's replacement on ST. Ross Cockrell was the jammer at Duke, and Monos mentions his ST ability here. Nigel Bradham played 285 snaps as a special teamer in 2013. If he's not one of the starting 3 LBs, he's on the list. Also Possibilities: Randell Johnson is the backup WLB and backup nickel LB. With Alonso out, he has a shot at the 53 and he has ST experience. Chris Hogan is also a possibility, as he was 3rd on ST tackles.

Excellent! ^^^^

Wonderful Discussion! I'm a local so I'll put my favorites here with some map links: Thai-----Saks Thai, excellent masaman curry, pad Thai, and must get the curry puffs as an appetizer. About 20 minutes away on Route 31 in a mini-mall. Get a reservation. Go to Chakura before/after for drinks (400 yards before you get to Saks Thai. Pattaya's is also very good food, but it's in an old bank with less atmosphere and the wait staff, while attentive, seem to be waiting for you to leave. Advantage: Not busy, great food, and 5 minutes from camp. Mexican----Maria's (great, authentic with hit-or-miss service in basement of an old church in Webster) or Itacate(also authentic, less atmosphere but friendly and great tasting) near 4 corners in Penfield Bar Food---Jeremiahs is about 12 minutes from camp. Wings---Jeremiahs or Sticky Lips. Dinosaur is also good, right downtown but 15-20 minutes from camp Italian---Northside is still my favorite but Perlo's (directly across street) and Lemoncello are also Superb. Check menus to make your choice. All are 6 minutes from camp. Steak---Black and Blue, Pittsford Plaza. Pricey, but you get what you pay for. Less $$ at lunch, just smaller portions. Take East Avenue toward Pittsford and cross at French Road, right on Monroe, and there's Pittsford Plaza. About 7 minutes from camp. Appetizers and Atmosphere, with Kids---Towpath Cafe Right on the canal in Fairport, eat under a tent outside. Lobster Mac N Cheese, Panini, Coffee. Ice Cream next door. Stay long enough to watch the lift bridge go up. Walk a little of the canal. We go here on Thursday nights (open mike night) or Friday-Saturday night for the music as well. 8 minutes from camp.

Joique Bell?

McKelvin and Robey are both good corners, but I think Joe Bus is wrong. According to PFF Premium Stats, McKelvin is 13th-ranked CB with CBs playing >900 snaps. Robey can't be on this list with his 629 snaps, but ranks 27th if snap count isn't taken into account. Neither McKelvin nor Robey will win prizes for their run defense. McKelvin is ranked #193rd out of 199 players who played at least one play as CB! Robey is 78th on the same list. Gilmore is our best run defender at #24.

I am participating in the Power Rankings at DraftTek this year. I have them beginning the season in 21st place, but I am the most optimistic of all of the Analysts, who average out at 26th place. 1 Seattle 2 Denver 3 San Francisco 4 New Orleans 5 Green Bay 6 New England 7 Cincinnati 8 Philadelphia 9 Chicago 10 Arizona 11 Indianapolis 12 Kansas City 13 San Diego 14 Atlanta 15 Baltimore 16 Detroit 17 St Louis 18 Carolina 19 Tampa Bay 20 Dallas 21 Houston 22 Miami 23 Pittsburgh 24 NY Giants 25 NY Jets 26 Buffalo

Several Points intended to coax some off the ledge: Both Pettine's and Schwartz's schemes call for the MLB to take on OGs. Kiko wasn't that guy from the outset, and it was never the Bills' intention to play Alonso in the middle long-term. The moves in FA and the draft for Brown and Spikes this offseason were for that position. Preston Brown learned both the WILB and MLB positions during OTAs/minicamp. He'll compete with Bradham for the Will and Mike. Rivers will be the SLB although Ty Powell is now likely to be the understudy there. https://www.profootballfocus.com premium stats have Bradham 1st among all ILBs in coverage, misleading but a factor. PFF also tracks Tackling Efficiency, essentially the ratio of successful tackles to missed tackles. Spikes and Bradham are top 5 in NFL. Bradham's stop percentage (the percentage of plays "blown up" by a player)=9.5% while Alonso is 8.5% per PFF,which ranks Bradham 38th to Alonso's 50 rank (Alonso has more plays, obviously). While Bradham played 1/3 the snaps of Kiko, he made tackles on a higher pct of plays than Kiko, 14% to 11%. Kiko's ACL tear is the 62nd since this time last year. http://nflrt.com/2014-torn-acl-tracker/

Good catch. Change made. I could see them sliding down and Colts/Bears/Pats moving up. Need science or stats, though. Even informed intuition works. Interesting. Cincinnati and Arizona are the most hotly-ciontested teams among the guys on our Power Ranking team. Range so far for Bengals is between 4th (insane) and 13th. I'd love some help understanding either ranking. Arizona is worse. We have 3rd from one analyst, and 14th 15th, and 15th from three others. the other guys on the team are between those extremes.