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The Jokeman

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Posts posted by The Jokeman

  1. Sunday, February 27, 2005

    Update: The Bills want someone with starting NFL experience that will come at a modest price ($1 million a year) to be the backup to new starter J.P. Losman, according to The Sports Xchange. Their first choice is retaining their own unrestricted free agent, Matthews, an 11-year veteran with 22 starts who hits the market on Wednesday.

     

    Recommendation: Matthews knows coach Mike Mularkey's offense and just as critical, he knows the brash Losman. Matthews will either accept Buffalo's offer to return and mentor Losman, or he'll retire for a second time. If Matthews does decide to retire, GM Tom Donahoe won't panic -- there are plenty of options out there -- though it seems as if Matthews will be Buffalo's most preferred option.

    254968[/snapback]

    The only reason I like Matthews is he's been herea year and familiar with the offense and coaching staff but as that article states there's quite a few options available. Incase Matthews does retire I suspect guys like Jim Miller or Jay Fiedler would definately be considered. As watching a rerun of Mularkey's press conference when he came here (on Empire) he described the offense he invisions as a slow drawn out offense which tells me he favors a quick thinking short passing game, which never was Bledsoe's strength.

  2. I dont see TD signing any DTs if Pat Williams leaves.  We have other priorities that we need to address in FA (Guard, Backup QB, TE) and wasting money on a DT would just be foolish considering we already have Sam Adams and a replacement in either Ron Edwards or Tim Anderson already on roster.  Let the two of them fight it out in Training Camp to see who starts at the other DT spot, and lets save that money and pick up a free agent Guard to solidify our O-Line.

    254723[/snapback]

    I agree with this brand of thought. Though it might be smart to bring in a vet to at least add to the mix might be wise. I know we cut him last season and know he spent a little time with Tampa in the preseason but I wouldn't mind bring in Oliver Gibson for another look so long he's signed for the league minimum.

  3. The guy was the star of the Village game, its not just speed, he has it all, great hands, built like a brick sh_t house, great route runner.

     

    He just plays for a small college.

    254913[/snapback]

    I have yet to see what Mathis officially was measured at HT/WT wise but he should definately be a day 1 pick. As one thing I look for from small school players if they're able to dominate their level of competition and Mathis did that at Hampton averaging over 29 YPC this season.

  4. I believe PW is generally regarded as the vastly superior run stuffer, but that Edwards may actually be a little better in rushing the passer than PW. Is that really true?

     

    IMO, I'm pretty comfortable in letting Williams leave if he wants that $5 million a year contract which I suspect he will get from a team like the Vikings. Really, how vital was PW to our run stuffing game when he missed almost 50% of the plays (not his decision but the coaches...I understand that...but do you pay a guy who isn't in on 50% of the plays that much $$$?) Aren't we supposed to stop the run with "numbers" anyway, as Gregg Williams once so famously stated about our 46 D?

     

    Discuss.

    254023[/snapback]

     

    Judging by stats alone, which is an inexact science, Williams has collected 377 tackles in 107 games or 3.5 per game vs Edwards' 78 in 44 games which calculates to 1.7 per game. Of course Edwards probably hasn't seen as many snaps per game as Williams so it's tough to gauge if tackles is a good way to measure a DTs ability to stop the run. That said because Williams is usually playing on 1st and 2nd downs (primary run downs) I think it be safe to say Williams is a better run stuffer but to measure just how much better is tough to gauge.

     

    In terms of pass rushing one would say that Edwards is infact better at getting to the QB. As looking at their career numbers Williams has 13.0 sacks in 107 career games in comparison Edwards has 7.0 in 44 games.

     

    While I as much as anyone want Pat back, at the cost of $5 million per season I'd let him go as well. Edwards definately deserves a chance to prove if he can be a full time starter, while I know he struggled in that role in the early part of his career I think it was in part because of an inferior surrounding cast. You mention stopping the run in numbers, I think we do that now with the likes of Spikes, Fletcher and Milloy on the team.

  5. I guess I feel this is our shot to really make a big push and to grab a few studs. Id love for us to make some big trades, the Travis for Shelton thingy is a ho-hummer to me (ho-hummer... I like it  :D ).

    253752[/snapback]

    Truth be told stud LTs aren't available on the open market. The last one to move was Roaf when he went to the Chiefs. Before that you could argue the last one to go was Wilford when he left us for the Colts. The reason I like the Henry for Shelton move is it would fill a need with a non dud. Studs are nice but when one isn't available then you go with the next best option(s) (which to me is Jennings, Shelton, Tra Thomas and Bob Whitfield in that order). After that the rest of the available LTs out there is less than appealing to me.

  6. The era of free agency has made the draft even more important then it ever was before. Simply put you build your depth (and eventual starters) through the draft and get immediate starters through free agency. Taking your example of the Eagles, part of the reason that they were able to get Kearse and Owens is because they had Brown and Shepperd in the wings so they would not have to re-sign Bobby Taylor or Troy Vincent and able to use that money elsewhere. Trades for big name players only work if that player lives up to their potential and not giving away too much see Corey Dillon vs Ricky Williams as examples. I will always lean to to smart conservative first approach but if you are on the verge then go for what's needed if possible.

  7. From http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/news_story.asp?ID=116061&hubName=nfland several other sources:

     

    Buffalo Bills president Tom Donahoe was asked about a possible deal to send running back Travis Henry to Arizona for offensive lineman L.J. Shelton.

     

    Shelton has already visited Buffalo, and Donahoe said the Bills have given Henry permission to visit Arizona although that has not yet happened.

     

    ''That's as far as the talks have gone,'' Donahoe said.

     

    Donahoe believes Henry may be a better bet for an NFL team than one of the rookie running backs in this year's deep class. At the top of the list are Texas' Cedric Benson and Auburn's Carnell (Cadillac) Williams and Ronnie Brown.

     

    ''Travis has proven he can rush for 1,400 or 1,500 yards and he plays hurt,'' Donahoe said. ''If you look at Corey Dillon or Travis, I think that's the way to go. The thing you know about Travis is what he can give you.''

  8. Here's a stupid question, which you may be qualified to answer.

     

    Does Scouts Inc. provide player ratings for fantasy football or real football?

     

    My hunch is that the rating is for FF, where Henry was clearly a top 10 back based on points awarded.  But don't let that get in the way of your wet keyboard.

    252033[/snapback]

    If go to http://snap.stats.com/stats/nflinfo/index.asp you will clearly see in their title that it mentions fantasy football. In terms of rankings, I'd have to dig around the site more. In terms of Henry, I've posted on more then one occasion he is not a top 10 RB in the NFL in terms of ability.

  9. Don't be so sure TD's target won't be a center.  Move Teague back to his natural position, either as a starter or back-up.

    252006[/snapback]

    From his Buffalo Bills.com profile:

    Was a two-year starter on the offensive line at Tennessee, earning third-team All-America and first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors as a senior…started entire senior season at center, registering 87 knockdowns for a team that ranked fourth in the nation with an average of 482.8 yards per game in total offense…as a junior started the first eight games at left tackle and the last four at center…as a sophomore played in every game, starting the final two at right tackle…saw limited action with the field goal unit and as a reserve offensive tackle as a freshman after redshirting in 1993

    In reading that tell me what's Teague's natural position? Sounds like to me Tennessee shifted him to Center for a reason.

  10. This idea was floated in one of the Sportsline articles on the TBD page. 

     

    I know Teague was the LT in Denver before coming here.  Was he any good? Is this viable?

     

    I suppose this would depend on the C's that are available. Anyone have any ideas?

    247758[/snapback]

    While sacks against alone can not be the sole measuring stick for a LT let me give you Teague's total for the 2001 season 11.25 By comparison Jonas Jennings has given up 13.50 in the last three seasons combined (he gave up 0 sacks in 2001 but spent that season as our RT). For those that were wondering LJ Shelton gave up a total of 17.00 between 2001-2003 (Shelton gave up 4 sacks last season in 12 games at RT).

  11. Don't forget, Modrak drafted Buckhalter when he was at Philly.  He could come cheap and if he rehabs, would be a real steal.

    246088[/snapback]

    He very well could be a steal, though if healthy I think McGahee will get a bulk of the carries like he did most of this season which tells me in looking at a backup I'd rather have someone that can compliment him and to me that's where those RBs I listed fit in. As they all have the ability to catch the ball and smaller change of pace backs. Look to NE as an example, Corey Dillon vs Kevin Faulk.

  12. But what about Euhus and/or Neufeld? They are receiver-type TE's. Don't you want the best blocker TE?

    246082[/snapback]

    Neufeld is nothing more then a 3rd string TE. Euhus is still a question mark considering he had an ACL injury last year. All things considered I don't see TE high on the list and while I agree we need a blocking TE it might be best looking at someone further down the depth chart to fill that role. As I think Franks will be out of our budget not to mention I think he's a tad overrated for his receiving ability (as was trying to say this is where Jones is better then him) however think in reality we'd like someone likely land Itula Mili or Cam Cleeland instead.

  13. I think Amos is the best bet out of all of them to become a Buffalo Bill next season.  Zereoue is familiar with (and succesful in) Mularkey's system and was drafted by TD.

    246080[/snapback]

     

    I agree he's the best fit and probably the best of those available but it's also a matter of getting him. You outline some good reasons why he should come but sometimes money and playing time could be bigger factors and both of which might be available if he returns to Oakland.

  14. They sound a lot like us when Bledsoe came here.  They are trying to force themselves into believing that Drew can get the job done.

    246073[/snapback]

    I don't think Vinny T was the problem in Dallas last season, I think the early injuries to Julius Jones and Terry Glenn and their defense were bigger reasons for them not making the playoffs.

  15. I like all these reports that people find but as said previously, they have little meaning without a comparison. As love to see what they say of or grade out Jonas Jennings, Rian Diem or whatever other Offensive Tackle someone wants to compare them to. JP Era was nice enough to compare some OGs to state why he felt would go after Verba in one thread, anyone want to offer some comparisons for Shelton?

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