Lothar
-
Posts
593 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Gallery
Profiles
Forums
Events
Posts posted by Lothar
-
-
I'm not an OLineman but I posted this yesterday and think it's fairly accurate. But again, I've never been closer to playing on the OLine than a brief stint at TE, so what the heck do I know? - )
1) I've been really surprised by how mobile they look in the ground attack. I didn't expect them to be able to pull and lead as well as they have been. Maybe they're not really mobile enough to get a good screen game going, but they've been a pleasant surprise.
2) I haven't been all that impressed with the protection. Not because it's sucked, but because the problem areas on the OLine have not been asked to do all that much. Hali is the only real good edge rusher we've faced, the other team's strengths have been in their interior, matching up with our strength. The Bills have also been giving them a ton of help by constantly keeping RB's, TE's, FB's, and H-backs in to help with protection, and wisely so, imo.
3) Chan has been calling outstanding games, keeping defenses off-balance and Fitz's decision making has probably been the quickest and most accurate of his career. The OLine rarely has to protect for more than 3-3.5 seconds before the ball is coming out to a frequently open receiver.
4) I don't know how long we can keep putting up this kind of offense against teams while we keep so many skill players in the backfield, and I don;t know how long it's going to be until opposing Dcoordinators get a better read on Chan and make it tougher on the Bills. They've been solid so far, but don't kid yourself that a time is not coming when our OTackles are overmatched and we can't find open targets downfield because we've got 2 TE's and a Back in trying to keep Fitz upright.
I agree to a certain extent, Simon, but we run a lot of empty sets as well. I think the key has been Fitz's ability to make quick reads and get the ball out fast. I do think what will help the O is Donald Jones gaining confidence as a deep threat. Once that part of the game comes into play - assuming Fitzy's deep throws are reasonable - I don't see why the Bills' offense can't be as potent as any of the other top teams.
Also, the more success Fitz has in completing short throws, the more likely he'll be able to take an occasional 5-7 step drop. I always thought that was how Marchibroda coached up Peyton when he first got to the league. Lots of short throws to the point that the DL almost gives up going after the QB and then boom! I remember Bruce being pissed because Peyton didn't really even worry if the throw got a first down or not, it was just out of his hand quickly. I always wondered why more coaches don't follow that recipe when bringing a new QB up to speed. Now you do need to have a smart and accurate QB to pull that off - I think we all had doubts about the latter attribute for Fitz - but he seems to be proving a lot of us wrong.
-
I really think Cincy has a solid defense. Now whether they can cover the Bills' 4 and 5 wide sets is a whole 'nother story. What I'd really like to see is the defense come to play from the get-go and dominate this game against a rookie QB. No looking ahead!
-
Talk about Johnson or Jackson all you want but to me the reason we are becoming a tough out on offense - besides the Chan-Fitzmagic genius is the play of the line. Freddie is Freddie and on of my all time favorite Bills but have you seen the size of some of the holes he's been getting? And the way they dominated the big bad Raider DL? There was an interesting article written before the second game that alluded to our line being one of the biggest in the league. And holy smoke, they can play! I know our schemes tend to be based on shorter drops and multiple receivers but there's no denying how teams are having trouble getting to Fitz or choking off our run-game.
After all the gnashing and gnawing about losing Hangardner, Chan obviously realized - better than all of us - that center was the weak link. Now with Wood and Levitre in the middle, we're actually getting 2nd and 3rd level blocking instead of just holding our ground. If the resident O-line experts on the board had their way, we'd have run these guys out of town after the preseason. Instead, I'd argue that we have one of the more solid lines in all the league - especially after watching contenders like Pittsburgh & Philly struggle up front. Props to the front office for finding some diamonds in the scrap heap (Pears, Urbik and Rinehart) to augment our higher round picks. Who knew we'd now be clamoring to draft DBs and pass-rushers after the preseason we had.
I used to think our team's achilles heel was depth, and it probably is at several key positions. But if we can keep the primary 7 guys up front reasonably healthy, I like the odds of Fitz surviving the year and as long as he's up, Chan can continue to work magic with this offense. I really do think the talent infusion on defense will show up as the season progresses and when that happens, look out. Belief and confidence goes a long way in a parity-filled league.
-
I will say this for the Raiders....I truly expected Von Miller to be more of a factor in that game but while he was getting pressure he was not dominating the field as he had done in the preseason.
Just an observation......
I thought they did a nice job on Miller as well but they did run a lot to his side and also passed for less than 5 yards an attempt on average. In essence, they didn't really test the pass rushers in Denver much because they didn't have to. I'm thinking they'll have to this week. Let's see how our revamped front 7 fares.
-
Ok, so more than half your drives lasted 4 plays or less. 10 of your points came from starting inside the Denver 42. I have loads of respect for the Raider running game. What part of scoring 13 points on long(?) makes this team an offensive juggernaut?
We're not that different with regard to potential but I just like our balance. It's all about matchups. Last year, your team would have been our worst nightmare physically. There was an interesting article in the local papers that showed both our lines are actually bigger than the Raider lines. Perception is a funny thing. And I guess we'll find out how things have changed on Sunday.
START QTR POSS. YARD PLAYS YARDS RESULT
10:59 1 00:00 OAK 10 1 0 Fumble Recovery (Opponent)
09:55 1 03:55 OAK 20 6 15 Punt
03:02 1 04:34 DEN 42 8 42 Touchdown
13:23 2 02:09 DEN 23 4 4 Field Goal
08:05 2 01:23 OAK 2 3 6 Punt
04:12 2 02:45 OAK 46 11 51 Field Goal
00:24 2 00:24 OAK 24 3 31 Field Goal
00:00 2 00:00 DEN 0 1 0 End of Half
15:00 3 02:29 OAK 20 4 13 Punt
12:31 3 05:29 OAK 20 8 26 Punt
01:55 3 01:30 OAK 20 3 -2 Punt
14:11 4 01:38 OAK 35 3 65 Touchdown
09:17 4 01:29 OAK 20 3 3 Punt
03:43 4 03:43 OAK 20 8 28 End of Game
-
Roped 'em in again, eh Hogboy? Nice work. But couldn't you wait till the offseason for these "science" posts?
-
I actually thought he made a few good plays in the game but it looks like the Dolphins are looking for a scapegoat.
-
Help for LB corps .... but nothing for the OL yet?
-
-
How much of the anti-Locker crowd are sour grapes that he stayed in school rather than grabbing the cash last year?
Locker had some really putrid receiver play last year. He's definitely a project and not a sure-fire can't-miss ready-to-go QB. He's such a talented athlete and the Huskies were so awful, that his development as a NFL-ready QB was really quite limited. Running for your life every snap does that.
Actually, living in the Northwest, I've probably seen more of his games than most on here. Believe me, 2 years ago I was hoping this kid would progress and I secretly wished he'd become a Bill. I couldn't have a more different opinion of him now. I think, in effect, he's a taller JP Losman. He has all the physical tools and none of the intangibles. Frankly, I'd rather have a Fitz - or Dalton - or Ponder who lack in the skills department but have many more of the leadership qualities, including the ability to actually make your team better - pretty much a prerequisite for me in evaluating QBs.
If we're going to take a flyer on an athletic QB, I hope it's on someone who showed stretches of accuracy as well as improvement (like Kaepernick). I too am intrigued by Mallett but character concerns leave him wanting. I trust Gailey to see which of these guys can translate athletic prowess and that stuff between the ears into being a good QB.
-
Ponder has a weak arm .He`s small and slow. Yeah pick him.
As was Brees ... terrible QB, no chance for success there.
Obviously you'd like to pick the guy with tangibles as well as intangibles. but if you don't have smarts in the NFL, you have no chance.
I'm not sold on Ponder either but risk/reward is better for him than the guys who run 4.5 forties and throw the ball 80 yards.
From the same site ...
Christian Ponder, Florida State
Ponder was very accurate all throwing session.
I was looking forward to watching Florida State QB Christian Ponder throw live Sunday at the NFL Combine and he did not fail to impress. Looking through the entire QB group I thought Ponder had the best day of all the signal callers. His arm looked plenty live enough to make all the throws, he was balanced in his drop, got the ball out quickly and was very accurate during the session. He showcased good ball location in the three step game, getting the ball out on time while allowing his receivers to consistently run through the throw. Ponder also showcased plenty of zip on his throws in the five step game and was capable of sticking the dig.
The one area where he did struggle was on bucket throws when trying to toss the nine (fade), but he did a nice job later in the workout on the post-corner, dropping his first pass into the outstretched arms of the receiver. Ponder seems to be getting stronger and stronger the further he gets away from his injury-riddled senior season and with the improvements to his footwork, he's still the guy who I like the most in this quarterback class.
-
Here's what the NFL Post analysts added, however:
Overall, I thought Washington QB Jake Lockerthrew the best of any quarterback in group one. He showcased good touch down the field, had a strong arm and spinned the football cleanly on all levels of the field. The only time he was a bit inconsistent with his accuracy was on the dig route where he not only had to take his five step drop from under center, but also get the ball out on time. Again, it seems like anytime Locker is asked to process any info into a route his accuracy runs cold.
http://www.nationalf...consistent.html
Accuracy in a vaccuum is what we had with Edwards. Processing information and translating that accuracy is a whole 'nother thing. I live out west and followed Locker's hype in the hope he might be a target of the Bills one day. The first criterion I'd use in choosing a QB is how good a leader he is and how quickly he can progress through his reads. I've come to realize that Locker is more like JP Losman than a Aaron Rodgers. Ponder is probably the most ready but I don't think he'd be better than Fitz ... perhaps in a couple years. I trust Mayock's judgment on Gabbert but think that's too risky a pick for a non-pro style QB at 3. I'd rather pick Kapernick or Ponder in Round 3 and focus on defense early.
-
howabout Colt McCoy....
Ya - he's thrown for 74 yards today. We should have picked him.
-
The Broncos had just signed him away from the Pats* for 20 mil this offseason. Pretty crazy.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/hot-news-and-rumors.html
-
oops, sorry - didn't see the original post ... please delete.
-
-
p.s. per TG's latest comments, while I'm no fan of Favre I've lost all respect for Bruschi ... just flappin' his jaws to be heard. Didn't Favre have the same doubts last year? What's your point TB? I think he just doesn't like someone surpassing his own 'God-like' status.
-
Schobel's situation came up in a conversation I had with Taylor on Saturday morning. Nobody terrorized AFC East quarterbacks more over the past decade than they did. Taylor is the NFL's active sacks leader with all but 3.5 of his 127.5 career sacks occurring with the Miami Dolphins. Schobel's 74 career sacks -- all with the Bills -- are second in the division.
Schobel also tops the list of sacks on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady with 12. Taylor is next with 9.5 sacks.
Despite Schobel's production and two Pro Bowl selections, Buffalo had only one winning season since it drafted him in 2001.
"That's sad," Taylor said. "As a competitor and as an athlete, you understand what they go through. Nobody likes to be on the losing end of things.
"He's such a good player, plays the game so hard and always laid it on the line. He's one of those guys that we around the league look at and respect the way the kid works. Everybody has a boiling point. I guess he hit his."
That's when I mentioned to Taylor that as bleak as the Bills' outlook was for 2010, they also lost running backs Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch to injuries on the opening drive of Friday night's preseason opener.
"Yikes," said Taylor, his eyes bulging at the news. "You never count anybody out in this league, though, but goodness gracious."
Well, the Bills aren't thought of too highly among our division foes ... only way to go is up.
-
No he wasn't cut, and Green Bay matched our offer in an effort to keep him. I know facts are a problem, but at least try to get them straight.
Actually, he had to have been cut to be placed on the practice squad. And any team could have picked him up while he was on there - it's not surprising that the Bills took a flyer on a guy with an impressive college resume. I still think if the line was more solid that Trent would be the better QB but thus far I'm not sold on his mental makeup ... I guess I was hoping Chan would bring the confidence out. I'm all for giving him another shot but if he regresses this week, I'd take my chances with Brohm in week 3 because Fitz is a more competent backup when everything falls apart on the line (which almost seems to be fore-ordained.)
-
per Chris Brown ... precautionary.
DT Kyle Williams left the practice field early on Thursday with a hand injury, but head coach Chan Gailey has been led to believe it’s not a major injury.
“They just took him off as a precaution,” said Gailey. ”They’re checking on him. They’ll make sure nothing is really wrong. It was one where he got banged a little bit and we’ll see what turns up with it, but we don’t think there’s anything bad at all.”
As we reported earlier, Williams did not appear all that concerned about it when it happened, but team medical officials will probably take a closer look via x-ray or MRI to be sure.
Didn't mean to steal thunder, John. I appreciate the heads up, just glad it's not a serious injury.
-
Depth move potentially since we need more OL. Stiil, he's recovering from microfracture surgery so no guarantees.
-
Can't really argue with the assessment. I'd feel a lot better if I knew our OL was upgraded entering the season. Still, maybe it's good that expectations are at a rock bottom for us around the league.
FWIW, he says things look worse for us because our AFC East rivals have had 3 of the best 5 offseasons.
-
And yet the Bills somehow finished 30th against the run? How about that stat?
I'm pretty sure these stats must include number of plays as one parameter. Let's say the Jets' D forces a 3 and out. But our D gives up 11 plays and 60 yards before giving up a FG - chances are much greater that Stroud or Williams will cause a negative play than one of the Jets D linemen. I still like Williams and Stroud but stats like these are pretty meaningless.
-
Sorry, can't let this slide as I detest people putting words in my mouth.
1.) Nobody is blaming the offense for anything. It's just a simple fact that the defense was on the field for many more plays than our offense given the type of offense we ran. Our defense, contrary to what many suggest, was very good at stopping people as their stats during those years indicate.
2.) Our defense in SB 25 wasn't "bend, don't break." It was flat BROKE! Our defense sucked that day and is the reason we lost the game. Period. Damn right if the defense made a play or two we would have won that game. The Giants could't stop us. Unless 19 points in 19 minutes is stopping someone.
My post wasn't about SB 25. It was about our defense during the SB years and, as I said, it was a very good defense even though the total yards given up would suggest otherwise. The total yards given up was a direct reflection of the sheer number of plays they were on the field during those seasons. But when it came to the stats that matter most, YPP and YPRA, the Bills' defense ranked well above average.
GO BILLS!!!
I couldn't disagree more. When you have an offense that can score quickly, the worst approach you can have on defense is to be "bend but don't break". We may have completely broken in SBXV but this is more an issue of approach to the game. Take chances, who cares if you give up a big score - I'll bet that my offense will outscore yours. And it's not like we didn't have playmakers - Bruce, Cornelius, Conlan, etc. Playing a standard vanilla defense allowed us to be good enough to dominate during the regular season but man, coaching sure showed up in the playoffs. Parcells and the other NFC coaches sure knew our weakness and they came up with gameplans to outfox our talent advantage. To this day, I sorta blame Marv and especially blame Corey for their inability to change the style of our defense to fit what was the most dynamic offense in the game.
[closed]Fantastic discussion of Bills' spread offense
in The Stadium Wall Archives
Posted
Since when did the Wall Street Journal have so many football articles anyway?
Buffalo Secret
I love Chan's twist to the stacked formation by running Fred out wide and using "double" stacks with a tight end in motion. Obviously all this only works with a smart, quick-decision-making QB.
After three games this season, it's clear that the Buffalo Bills haven't just stolen that part of Belichick's playbook, they've made it their offensive strategy. For nearly the entire game Sunday, the Bills had four wide receivers on the field, and often used five. (A traditional NFL alignment consists of two wide receivers.) They also sometimes lined up their tight ends as wide receivers and flung their running backs off to the corners.