Rockinon

4-3? 3-4? It's funny how we make such a big deal out of this. Also of note is how Carrington is playing OLB at 300+lbs. The coaching staff is clearly looking to stop the run and put pressure on the passer with these moves. The positions these guys are playing has less to do with the scheme(3-4, 4-3) than it does with maximizing individual player talents. Kelsay sticking a hand on the ground so he can get low and gain leverage is what he is good at. Carrington is big but also fast so he can play OLB and contain the run. Darius, Williams and Merriman all playing next to each other so they can use their disruptive skills to crush plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. All this means is that the coaches are trying to use their skills where they are most effective. It's about not getting lassoed into a specific scheme really.

What reluctance? The D was a bigger priority. You can bet your a$$ he wanted at least one more tackle as well. Just didn't work out that way.

You are reading into it too much. The Bears OL is bad, simply because.....the bears OL is bad.

I noticed that about Fitz's throwing motion too. While growing up, I got a lot of comments about the way I throw a baseball(3/4). Not side arm, but not overhand either. The thing is, overhand never felt natural but I was more accurate and more powerful that way. Fitz does find ways to move the chains though, so as long he performs I can overlook how odd he looks.

The Bear's offensive line is bad.

No, I think Thigpen will do fine. I just want to see what Levi can do with at least a few starters. We obviously weren't watching the same game. Levi was running for his life on nearly every play. He couldn't even complete a three step drop without having a defender in his face. I wouldn't say start Levi over Tyler, but for god's sake, give the guy someting to work with. If you are trying to get rid of the ball before you can complete a three step drop because otherwise you are going to get creamed, how in the hell are you supposed to have good mechanics? This is Levi's second season with the Bill's and he has had time to get used to the receivers but he isn't being given at least a credible OL to work with. I think Tyler will likely beat him but Levi deserves at least a plausible shot to see where he stands.

I'd also like to see Levi with a few more tools to work with. The line he was behind was getting destroyed embarrassingly fast.

I think their defenses are salivating at our weak offensive line.

Easley has to stop getting injured. If he can stay on the field he will be the one.

I have been following camp pretty closely and have noticed that there have been a lot of balls under-thrown/over-thrown when going to Lee in particular. I have also noticed that Stevie is getting more tosses than Lee. It just seems Fitz and Lee were not connecting as efficiently as the younger guys. I am in no way insinuating that this has been Lees fault, but I can see how the coaches and front office would feel like the younger players are deserving of chance. Chris Brown has reported that Lee wanted the trade and under those circumstances the decision becomes an easy one. This front office does not appear to want to keep guys on this team if they do not want to be here. I see this trade as a way for both Lee and the Bills to get, at the very least, something out of it. I was outraged at first, and I thought this was strictly a management decision that came down and surprised everyone, including Lee. At the end of the day maybe this was the best move available. Good luck, Lee. We will miss you, but forgive me if I don't cry over your leaving. Moving on.

OK, you guys are reaching here.

I'm in the not all that bad group. As long as we score and Fitz doesn't get killed, then mission accomplished. Reasonable expectations.

Nice work again Fitzbeardy. I really enjoy your write ups.

The only thing that would make sense is that they are looking to trade a starter for Lee. There is no way they going to get better than a mid round pick.

The article was excellent.....title, not so much.

Gailey and Wannstedt both have many proven years in the NFL. One with good offensive experience and the other with defensive experience. These guys compliment each other and make our team better. Gailey is not all on his own here the way you are making this out, Harey. He now has an assistant head coach which will help him in many ways. Am I worried about the OL? You betcha. But I am not nearly as worried as in years past, for a number of reasons. The spread offense does make it possible to quickly get rid of the ball and Fitz has all ready proven that he can do that. The idea that the Wildcat can be used not only for running plays, but also passing is an unproven concept in the NFL, but Gailey clearly is willing to try something that has potential unlike dead Dick J. We do still utilize a big fullback and now we have a good looking big tight end, which adds strength to our offensive line. All in all, Gailey seems to be a forward thinking coach. He still will utilize proven plays, but he isn't shy about doing something new. Players love that and will work harder because of it. He doesn't beat around the bush when he talks and pretty much says what he means. I like his style and I like his vision. The other thing I like is that he doesn't pretend to be perfect and is willing to make adjustments when he realizes something isn't working. Things like ditching Edwards in favor of Fitz and the hiring of Wannstedt comes to mind. I could be wrong about this, but I haven't felt this good about coaching in long while. The offensive line is what it is. The coaches know that and will do what they can to make it productive. The players know that and will do their part as well. It won't be easy, but I think they all ready have a handle on it.

The only thing Maybin looked good at last year was his one trick speed rush. The difference this year, is that he seems to be getting it by being around the football on nearly every play. The thing is, that isn't going to be enough. He is going to have to continue to progress throughout the preseason just to make a roster spot. We have others on this team that have been looking good too. Maybin has his back to the wall right now. Lets hope he can come out of this looking like a man instead of spoiled kid. I give him a bit of credit for not giving up and for putting up a fight with his 228lb frame. He's going to have to dig deep from here on out or be out of football and I think he knows it.

Eh. Rub some dirt on it.

oops 6....lol

I can name 8 divisional games the Bills have at least an even chance of winning.

Except that optimists are not just found on losing teams. They are also found on winning teams. You make sound as if they are delusional or something. Even an optimist is right from time to time.

Weird putting a 300lb man at OLB. Coaches are serious about stopping the run and are trying to find creative ways to make that happen. It'll be interesting to see if that pays off or bites us in the a$$.

Kinda like vultures hovering around waiting till something bad happens before they make their move.

By Mark Ludwiczak He's been tweeting what's going on at training camp. Seeing the team in person and actually, you know, reporting. That is miles ahead of the regurgitated ESPN crap we usually get.

Ha! John, don't listen to these unbelievers. The word coming out of camp is that Fitz is tearing it up. The defense is consistently blowing up the offensive line. Shawne Merriman is back. Darius is as good as advertised. Wilson is better than Whitner. Spiller is actually hitting the holes. The receivers across the board are making plays. Chandler is the real deal(a real TE, imagine that). This is the same offensive line that provided enough time for Fitz to throw for 3000 yards. Fred Jackson is still a playmaker. RB White is an excellent back who can catch. Troupe is stronger. Thigpen looks to be picking up on things quick. These naysayers are walking around with blinders on. There are simply too many positives to be ignored. I agree, the year TO came to town there was too little to be optimistic about. This year however, is shaping up incredibly well. Any team in this league that thinks Buffalo is going to be a walk in the park is in for a very rude awakening. Won't be surprised to see a few blowout wins.