My Meaningless Opinion

[R. Rich]

This is late due to a nice long weekend I had that extended through yesterday (my wife's birthday).

 

Gotta love the attitude this team seems to have now! Things may be looking up, we'll see. Things certainly look different, though, and that is probably a very good thing for the Bills.

 

Ryan Fitzpatrick had to have his best day as a pro, all things considered. W/ out the benefit of a ton of time to throw, he still found guys down the field and even did the unthinkable: kept plays alive and/or made plays by running the ball! Imagine that. There were still the typical misfires and another poorly thrown ball that was picked, but overall, he did a solid job.

 

Marshawn Lynch didn't do much w/ the limited opportunities he had. He still isn't as decisive a runner as he should be, and I think that's the only thing preventing him from being an elite back in this league. Meanwhile, Fred Jackson shows Lynch how it's done, making guys miss on the fly and finding open areas to work from. He also has been a better option in terms of receiving, though both guys still could use work in terms of blitz recognition. To make a long story (and a broken record of sorts) short, Jackson should remain the Bills' top option while Lynch should be the complimentary back.

 

Well, it appears that Fitzpatrick has established the connection w/ Terrell Owens that Trent Edwards just simply could not (or would not). Owens continues to blossom w/ Fitzpatrick under center and demonstrates that he still can get open and can still be a factor not only in terms of moving the chains, but in putting points on the board. His 51 yard TD reception was a thing of beauty for so many reasons, many of 'em badly needed for a Bills team starving for offensive productivity. Lee Evans had a couple nice grabs for big gains also. I still would like to see him work to get open underneath, 'cause I think he could be lethal as a catch and run type guy. Throw the guy a few quick slants and let's see if he can do some damage. Josh Reed did little (missed one on third down that may have been a big gainer) and Roscoe Parrish has all but evaporated. It was nice to see both Johnathan Stupar and Shawn Nelson make some catches down the field. Nelson, in particular, is developing nicely as a guy who can make things happen down the seam.

 

The offensive line was MUCH better in terms of run blocking in this one! It was nice to see a Bills RB not get clobbered just after receiving the handoff, wasn't it? The musical chairs @ the tackle spots continued as Kirk Chambers manned the right side while Jonathan Scott had the left side. They actually did okay in terms of allowing the backs to get to the edge. Now, in terms of pass protection........well, that still needs work. Recent signee Kendall Simmons looked horrible, giving up a sack on a play where he was clearly beaten off the snap and also having a false start (the ONLY false start on a line that leads the league in the stat) and a holding call early on. In addition to the improved run blocking, I must give some props to a guy who really could use 'em this year: rookie Andy Levitre. I thought he was pretty good @ the left guard spot, being a major factor in the Bills' solid running day (averged just a hair under 5 yards rushing per attempt!!) and not being the turnstile of a pass protector that he has been for most of this year. Keep it up, rook! We're all rooting for you.

 

This wasn't a banner game for the Bills' D line. When your top pass rusher is DT Spencer Johnson, I think that sums it up. Where was Aaron Schobel? Aside from hitting Chad Henne and forcing a fourth down, he really wasn't effective. Chris Kelsay was.....well........Chris Kelsay, an adequate pass rusher (did help force the INT late in the game by pressuring Henne) who is lacking as a run defender. The big guys in the middle could've really used more support from the edge, as Marcus Stroud looked like a guy battling a nagging injury. He did have his moments (nice pass knockdown), but was taken out of the action far too often, allowing Ricky Williams to run wild. Kyle Williams, who has been playing well lately, had 8 tackles, but didn't really make an impact as there weren't many plays on the Miami side of the line from him or from the line as a whole. Johnson had the sack, but also continues to show that he struggles holding up @ the point of attack and probably should only be used as a third down rush specialist. And there was an Aaron Maybin sighting! He had a nice shoestring tackle for loss. Maybe the Bills could use his speed more instead of having him sit and do nothing? Try the kid @ LB and see if he can help stop teams from getting to the edge and making big plays in the running game. On a few occasions, I saw Miami run to the outside and saw nothing but Dolphins jerseys in front of Williams.

 

I found it quite puzzling as to why Sparano decided not to just pound the ball down Buffalo's throats in the second half. Ricky Williams was killing the Bills both inside and outside as the LBs again struggled to scrape off blocks. We're glad you lost your mind like that, coach, but seriously....what gives?? Anyhoo, props to Chris Draft for getting the INT early and stopping a ton of Miami momentum. Again, what's w/ the call, coach? Pound the ball to the 3, and then lose your mind w/ that call? It reminded me of Marv Levy's dumb reverse pass call for Andre Reed in the Bills' 1997 overtime loss to Denver, a game I vividly remember for many reasons (Todd Collins' INT ran back by Keith Traylor for a score, Antowain Smith getting the ball only 16 times despite averaging over 6 yards per rush, Steve Christie's 55 yard FG that just went over the crossbar as time expired to force OT), but I digress. Draft showed good instincts on the pick, something he lacked on other throws that went past him. Paul Posluszny had a bunch of tackles again, but didn't really stand out. I thought Bryan Scott played well though. He does a good job of chasing plays down from the back side. Like the others, he struggles coming off blocks, but I believe that's due to his (lack of) size.

 

Props also to the secondary. This had to be one of their best games as a unit, if not their best. Donte Whitner was a difference maker in this one, knocking down a couple passes and picking another off while also helping out in run support. Drayton Florence did a very good job in coverage against Ted Ginn and came up w/ the pick that set up Fitzpatrick's bomb to Owens. Reggie Corner couldn't outjump Brian Hartline (nice catch, by the way) on Miami's first score, but held his own for the most part. Jairus Byrd had an "almost INT" (ah, the days of Thomas Smith) and also failed to tag Hartline down on a catch and (get up and) run that nearly went for a score. George Wilson made some plays for a loss and continues to be a guy who comes in and makes plays. Not perfect, but still a very good effort by this unit.

 

As for the coaching job, thank you Perry Fewell and staff for calling a gutsy game. Giving Lindell the shot @ a 56 yarder? Going for the TD bomb instead of just running the clock down? Going for fourth and short and not thinking twice 'bout it? These are all things we Bills fans have been hoping for and are glad to see. Thank you for giving the team a fighting chance, as opposed to ho-humming your way to another loss. It's nice to think your team actually has a chance to do something in critical situations other than punt the ball away.

 

Okay, so we're 4-7 now. Any chance of getting to 7-9 or better? Sure there is, but it will take more of the same type of gutsy play calling and certainly more of the same in terms of smart (way to keep the penalties down), physical (keep opening those holes for Jackson and Lynch) play. I don't know 'bout you all, but I'm interested to see how this coaching staff will approach games like the New England and Indianapolis games. Will they coach 'em all out, or will they go into a shell? I think it will be the former, which means I'll actually be hyped to watch 'em. Now that is more like it.

[BarkLessWagMore]

I found it quite puzzling as to why Sparano decided not to just pound the ball down Buffalo's throats in the second half. Ricky Williams was killing the Bills both inside and outside as the LBs again struggled to scrape off blocks. We're glad you lost your mind like that, coach, but seriously....what gives?? Anyhoo, props to Chris Draft for getting the INT early and stopping a ton of Miami momentum. Again, what's w/ the call, coach? Pound the ball to the 3, and then lose your mind w/ that call? It reminded me of Marv Levy's dumb reverse pass call for Andre Reed in the Bills' 1997 overtime loss to Denver, a game I vividly remember for many reasons (Todd Collins' INT ran back by Keith Traylor for a score, Antowain Smith getting the ball only 16 times despite averaging over 6 yards per rush, Steve Christie's 55 yard FG that just went over the crossbar as time expired to force OT), but I digress. Draft showed good instincts on the pick, something he lacked on other throws that went past him. Paul Posluszny had a bunch of tackles again, but didn't really stand out. I thought Bryan Scott played well though. He does a good job of chasing plays down from the back side. Like the others, he struggles coming off blocks, but I believe that's due to his (lack of) size.

 

Great analysis as always. I, for one, look forward to it. But what's with the delay? Your wife's birthday? Get your priorities straight. The above plays you mention made me laugh as we brought that reverse pass up at the game Sunday. Of course, the common denominator between the two plays.......Dan Henning, the OC for both.

[zow2]

Good stuff. I was at the game, in the stadium early and down by the field for warmups. Fred Jackson was one of the first on the field to get started. He was all business. Marshawn came out with most of the team about 10 mins later.

 

Both the Fitz TD's, (long run and long pass to Owens) were audibles. He also converted a huge 4th down with a scramble. Just shows how crucial the decision making of the QB is and how a couple smart decisions basically won the game for Buffalo.

[Beerball]

Please offer Lisa my belated wishes...

[billieve420]

They should consider moving Levitre to LT for the rest of the season who I thought did a solid job while in there. In addition, Simmons who was awful at least has an excuse as this was his first start with a new team. However, Scott was just as terrible and should be moved inside to LG as he lacks the quickness to hold off speed rushers.

[34-78-83]

Nice review Mister! Hated that blasted reverse call to Andre (in the rain no less) back in the day too.

[Beebe's Kid]

Like the post as always!! Thank you.

 

One little snag, I believe the bomb to Owens was an audible from Fitzy. It was supposed to be a run, but Fitzy audibled out and went for the throat. I am definitely no trying to knit-pick, but I think is unfair for Perry to have that on his resume, and Fitzy's doughnuts to be overlooked.

 

Again, don't mean to offend, I really enjoy your posts, and I agree with all points and analysis made, especially Whitner. He was huge, and has been very good this year. He may have finally arrived. I am going to duck as the DW-Hate Club is sure to be swooping in any minute.

[Fewell733]

Whitner deserves major props. He was a difference maker in the running game. Without him we would have gotten run over like the first time out against Miami.

[bills44]

Nice summary. Thanks.

[Guest dog14787]

This is late due to a nice long weekend I had that extended through yesterday (my wife's birthday).

 

Gotta love the attitude this team seems to have now! Things may be looking up, we'll see. Things certainly look different, though, and that is probably a very good thing for the Bills.

 

Ryan Fitzpatrick had to have his best day as a pro, all things considered. W/ out the benefit of a ton of time to throw, he still found guys down the field and even did the unthinkable: kept plays alive and/or made plays by running the ball! Imagine that. There were still the typical misfires and another poorly thrown ball that was picked, but overall, he did a solid job.

 

Marshawn Lynch didn't do much w/ the limited opportunities he had. He still isn't as decisive a runner as he should be, and I think that's the only thing preventing him from being an elite back in this league. Meanwhile, Fred Jackson shows Lynch how it's done, making guys miss on the fly and finding open areas to work from. He also has been a better option in terms of receiving, though both guys still could use work in terms of blitz recognition. To make a long story (and a broken record of sorts) short, Jackson should remain the Bills' top option while Lynch should be the complimentary back.

 

Well, it appears that Fitzpatrick has established the connection w/ Terrell Owens that Trent Edwards just simply could not (or would not). Owens continues to blossom w/ Fitzpatrick under center and demonstrates that he still can get open and can still be a factor not only in terms of moving the chains, but in putting points on the board. His 51 yard TD reception was a thing of beauty for so many reasons, many of 'em badly needed for a Bills team starving for offensive productivity. Lee Evans had a couple nice grabs for big gains also. I still would like to see him work to get open underneath, 'cause I think he could be lethal as a catch and run type guy. Throw the guy a few quick slants and let's see if he can do some damage. Josh Reed did little (missed one on third down that may have been a big gainer) and Roscoe Parrish has all but evaporated. It was nice to see both Johnathan Stupar and Shawn Nelson make some catches down the field. Nelson, in particular, is developing nicely as a guy who can make things happen down the seam.

 

The offensive line was MUCH better in terms of run blocking in this one! It was nice to see a Bills RB not get clobbered just after receiving the handoff, wasn't it? The musical chairs @ the tackle spots continued as Kirk Chambers manned the right side while Jonathan Scott had the left side. They actually did okay in terms of allowing the backs to get to the edge. Now, in terms of pass protection........well, that still needs work. Recent signee Kendall Simmons looked horrible, giving up a sack on a play where he was clearly beaten off the snap and also having a false start (the ONLY false start on a line that leads the league in the stat) and a holding call early on. In addition to the improved run blocking, I must give some props to a guy who really could use 'em this year: rookie Andy Levitre. I thought he was pretty good @ the left guard spot, being a major factor in the Bills' solid running day (averged just a hair under 5 yards rushing per attempt!!) and not being the turnstile of a pass protector that he has been for most of this year. Keep it up, rook! We're all rooting for you.

 

This wasn't a banner game for the Bills' D line. When your top pass rusher is DT Spencer Johnson, I think that sums it up. Where was Aaron Schobel? Aside from hitting Chad Henne and forcing a fourth down, he really wasn't effective. Chris Kelsay was.....well........Chris Kelsay, an adequate pass rusher (did help force the INT late in the game by pressuring Henne) who is lacking as a run defender. The big guys in the middle could've really used more support from the edge, as Marcus Stroud looked like a guy battling a nagging injury. He did have his moments (nice pass knockdown), but was taken out of the action far too often, allowing Ricky Williams to run wild. Kyle Williams, who has been playing well lately, had 8 tackles, but didn't really make an impact as there weren't many plays on the Miami side of the line from him or from the line as a whole. Johnson had the sack, but also continues to show that he struggles holding up @ the point of attack and probably should only be used as a third down rush specialist. And there was an Aaron Maybin sighting! He had a nice shoestring tackle for loss. Maybe the Bills could use his speed more instead of having him sit and do nothing? Try the kid @ LB and see if he can help stop teams from getting to the edge and making big plays in the running game. On a few occasions, I saw Miami run to the outside and saw nothing but Dolphins jerseys in front of Williams.

 

I found it quite puzzling as to why Sparano decided not to just pound the ball down Buffalo's throats in the second half. Ricky Williams was killing the Bills both inside and outside as the LBs again struggled to scrape off blocks. We're glad you lost your mind like that, coach, but seriously....what gives?? Anyhoo, props to Chris Draft for getting the INT early and stopping a ton of Miami momentum. Again, what's w/ the call, coach? Pound the ball to the 3, and then lose your mind w/ that call? It reminded me of Marv Levy's dumb reverse pass call for Andre Reed in the Bills' 1997 overtime loss to Denver, a game I vividly remember for many reasons (Todd Collins' INT ran back by Keith Traylor for a score, Antowain Smith getting the ball only 16 times despite averaging over 6 yards per rush, Steve Christie's 55 yard FG that just went over the crossbar as time expired to force OT), but I digress. Draft showed good instincts on the pick, something he lacked on other throws that went past him. Paul Posluszny had a bunch of tackles again, but didn't really stand out. I thought Bryan Scott played well though. He does a good job of chasing plays down from the back side. Like the others, he struggles coming off blocks, but I believe that's due to his (lack of) size.

 

Props also to the secondary. This had to be one of their best games as a unit, if not their best. Donte Whitner was a difference maker in this one, knocking down a couple passes and picking another off while also helping out in run support. Drayton Florence did a very good job in coverage against Ted Ginn and came up w/ the pick that set up Fitzpatrick's bomb to Owens. Reggie Corner couldn't outjump Brian Hartline (nice catch, by the way) on Miami's first score, but held his own for the most part. Jairus Byrd had an "almost INT" (ah, the days of Thomas Smith) and also failed to tag Hartline down on a catch and (get up and) run that nearly went for a score. George Wilson made some plays for a loss and continues to be a guy who comes in and makes plays. Not perfect, but still a very good effort by this unit.

 

As for the coaching job, thank you Perry Fewell and staff for calling a gutsy game. Giving Lindell the shot @ a 56 yarder? Going for the TD bomb instead of just running the clock down? Going for fourth and short and not thinking twice 'bout it? These are all things we Bills fans have been hoping for and are glad to see. Thank you for giving the team a fighting chance, as opposed to ho-humming your way to another loss. It's nice to think your team actually has a chance to do something in critical situations other than punt the ball away.

 

Okay, so we're 4-7 now. Any chance of getting to 7-9 or better? Sure there is, but it will take more of the same type of gutsy play calling and certainly more of the same in terms of smart (way to keep the penalties down), physical (keep opening those holes for Jackson and Lynch) play. I don't know 'bout you all, but I'm interested to see how this coaching staff will approach games like the New England and Indianapolis games. Will they coach 'em all out, or will they go into a shell? I think it will be the former, which means I'll actually be hyped to watch 'em. Now that is more like it.

 

For a Meaningless opinion you do a real good job of describing how the game went. The only thing I may not agree with is the poorly thrown interception by Fitz. I think that was all on Nelson and had he been were he should have it probably would have been a completion.

[rockpile]

Who is R. Rich?

 

(ar, ar, ar!)

 

 

Babyrock lost your phone number.

She made it to the Pinto but was probably too late to catch any TBDers at Lot 1 Pole 5.

Her friends had their own annual BBQ tailgate tradition going on, too!

 

 

Tell Psycho HFB from the Rockpile.

[Ahr & Ahr & Associates]

Who is R. Rich?

 

(ar, ar, ar!)

 

 

Dear Rockpile,

 

You are engaging in line infringement. We must ask that you cease and desist from this activity immediately. Further violations could result in legal action. Thank you.

[ajzepp]

Nice write-up, R.Rich!

[KD in CA]

Who is R. Rich?

 

He's Mike Singletary.

 

 

Nice write up.

[Cornerville]

Dear Rockpile,

 

You are engaging in line infringement. We must ask that you cease and desist from this activity immediately. Further violations could result in legal action. Thank you.

 

 

[KD in CA]

 

 

It's good to see Ahr & Ahr back in practice after all this time!

[EC-Bills]

Dear Rockpile,

 

You are engaging in line infringement. We must ask that you cease and desist from this activity immediately. Further violations could result in legal action. Thank you.

[dave mcbride]

I always appreciate these posts. Thanks.

 

One question: on his INT return, did Donte Whitner look really slow or what? I realize he has a bum ankle, so that may explain it, but this is a guy who came into the league with elite-level speed for a safety (in the low 4.4s, if memory serves).

[Astrojanitor]

For a Meaningless opinion you do a real good job of describing how the game went. The only thing I may not agree with is the poorly thrown interception by Fitz. I think that was all on Nelson and had he been were he should have it probably would have been a completion.

 

exactly right, Nelson hopped behind the defender right before Fitz threw.

[bill in Livonia]

Happy Birthday to your long suffering wife!!

[spartacus]

Like the post as always!! Thank you.

 

One little snag, I believe the bomb to Owens was an audible from Fitzy. It was supposed to be a run, but Fitzy audibled out and went for the throat. I am definitely no trying to knit-pick, but I think is unfair for Perry to have that on his resume, and Fitzy's doughnuts to be overlooked.

 

Again, don't mean to offend, I really enjoy your posts, and I agree with all points and analysis made, especially Whitner. He was huge, and has been very good this year. He may have finally arrived. I am going to duck as the DW-Hate Club is sure to be swooping in any minute.

 

don't mean to knit pick- but the bomb to Owens was an audible from a different pass play, not a run play.

 

if you want to be a knit picker, at least get your facts right

 

carry on

[KD in CA]

if you want to be a knit picker, at least get your facts right

 

And if you want to be a knit picker, know that the word is 'nitpick', not 'knit pick'.

[reddogblitz]

I too was at the game and just got home tonight. What a game. This was really fun.

 

What stood out most for me was:

 

Very few penalties. We've been getting killed by this all year, but there were only a few on Sunday. None calling back TDs or critical first downs.

 

I agree that the run game was much better. I'm sure some of it was due to blocking, but a lot of it was due to Fred. He's clearly the better runner. If we give him the ball 20 times Thursday night he'll gain over 100 and break a few big ones. He was like 15 for 73 and Lynch 3 for 6. Pretty much tells the story there. Fred makes something out of noting. ML usually does not. FEED FRED.

 

Fitz. Although he got sacked 6 times, he still threw for 248 and only one INT. And he had the 31 yard TD run and the TD pass to TO. Awesome. He also passed a lot better than he has in previous weeks. He had some bad throws. he had Lee open on a long one that would have been a TD but underthrew him terribly. But there were less of the bad throws. he also completes many 10 - 15 yard passes. You gotta get some big chunks sometimes to sustain drives. All in all super job.

 

TO. Get him involved in the game early and often and he comes up big. No drops in the last 2 games.

 

Coaching. The 56 yard FG was a gutsy as heck call. I had serious doubts about that espcially after Lindell missed from 42 in the first half at the other end. My wife said it was with the wind and he could make it. I'll be darned if she and Perry weren't right. If he had missed, Fish take over on the 46 and the outcome could have been different. I also loved going with Fred becuase he's been doing better and looking better in practice instead of the assisnine split carry thing Dick liked to do.

 

Defense. Solid effort. We got more 3 and outs and stops than I've seen in quite some time. And the picks. WOW. The Bills defense are some serious ball hawks.

 

Roscoe. He got a a nice 10 or so yard return that got us into position to get that long FG. I'm glad to see him back out of the Dick dog house and once again returning punts. Now if we'd just do that TO end around a couple of times in the first half and then in the second half make it a double reverse to Rocose, we might have something!

 

Great job Bills.

 

Looking forward to the Jets game.

 

Go BILLS !!

[stuckincincy]

I too was at the game and just got home tonight. What a game. This was really fun.

 

What stood out most for me was:

 

etc.

 

 

Go BILLS !!

 

Thanks for the eyewitness report - much appreciated!

[Beerball]

don't mean to knit pick- but the bomb to Owens was an audible from a different pass play, not a run play.

 

if you want to be a knit picker, at least get your facts right

 

carry on

don't mean to nitpick...but it's nit knot knit.

 

carry on

[Beebe's Kid]

don't mean to nitpick...but it's nit knot knit.

 

carry on

 

I was trying to convey that I was not trying to offend, since that is a major objective most of the time. I thought it was interesting that the throw to TO was Fitzy's call. I was incorrect about the spelling of the nitpick, as has been kindly pointed out...twice, and the play call. I had received the info second hand, and should have done the research myself. I just hope I don't lose my job at the Tribune over this.

 

Also, I apologize to the OP for his thread being cluttered with a bunch of worthless posts about my incorrect spelling of nitpick. I also apologize to other readers that came looking for pertinent information about the Bills, and were forced to skim over multiple posts about a typo. Unfortunately, that is the case with many threads, but that is the price you pay when you are surrounded by the best and the brightest...and so it goes.

 

You do a fine job every week, and I did not mean to disrupt what had started out as a good discussion. I am excited to read your post tomorrow, informing us what your views were about us ripping Rex Ryan (is he still "genius" status?) and his J-E-T-S to pieces, and with is being Friday, my editor should be in to avoid another travesty of the Queen's English.