Merriman / Moats....

[NewEra]

Moat can easily move on the inside...and kelsey moved back to DE

I doubt Moats will be effective as an ILB. We tried it, then moved him to OLB. To say he can easily move to the inside is reaching in my book. Sure, they can move him there, but that doesn't mean he will be any good

 

The reason that all signs pointed to Spiller last year was because Nix clearly stated what he was looking for, a "water spider" running back. This year he's been harping on defense, in particular getting a run-stuffer. How you conclude that means the Bills are going to draft Gabbert is beyond me.

 

Well, he did say that this is a perfect spot for us to draft a franchise QB. That doesn't say he's GOING to draft one, but it does point in that direction a bit. He's talked about defense AND qb this year. Not just defense. Defense can also be drafted rounds 2-7, a franchise QB, usually Is not

[KOKBILLS]

For all the talk about drafting defense, there's been just as much talk about drafting a QB.

 

Exactly...Something the completely clueless, deaf, or Fitz-ball-washers around here refuse to admit...How anyone could watch that Presser yesterday, or listen to the quotes out of Nix, Gailey, and Ralph this past year and NOT think QB is at very least a legit possibility at #3 is well beyond my imagination...

 

How many Games did Modrak see Gabbert live just this past Season? You think there may be a little interest there Folks?...

 

Talk about wishful thinking by those who have already written off the QB possibility...It's more like sleep walking...I'm not saying the Bills will take a QB at #3 because I have no idea...But I am saying it's a HUGE debate right now at OBD and it will be for another week...Maybe they go OLB or D-Line in the end...But nothing is certain yet, and I'm guessing the QB's are still a HUGE part of the conversation...

[NewEra]

Love the conjecture - but if we take a guy at 3 to move him to an unnatural position, it only substantiates the opinions many have with this organization. It would be like taking peterson with the idea to convert to a safety...at 15, OK, at 3 - no F-ing way. At 3, I would rather see them roll dice on Fairly to replace Stroud than Miller to move all over the place...one thing for sure, we will ruin his career.

Fairley played 4-3 DT. How is that any different?

[Cash]

First off the Bills FO has repeatedly said Batten IS going to play inside, so he's not an OLB. The idea that you think Miller would be inside on rushing downs is ludicrous. A 240lb rushing specialist will play MLB on rushing downs? If we draft him you'll see it at some point, Miller is miserable against the run in traffic. There's a zero percent chance that is happening.

 

The head coach of the Buffalo Bills disagrees:

 

http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2011/04/11/chan-on-von-miller/

 

“It’d be interesting to see if we ended up with a guy like that,” Gailey said. ”He’s a great pass rusher, so when you get to nickel situations you want to make sure he’s rushing the passer. Then you have to decide if you want to put him on the end of the line in a 3-4 or do you want to stack him behind the line even though he hasn’t had a lot of experience like that. If you can cover a guy up that has that kind of speed and quickness you can just let him run to the football. There are a couple of different ways to use a guy like that to help your defense.”

 

Zero percent is a little low. No, I don't think it's a lock, but coupled with Nix's comments about how the need at ILB is much greater than at OLB, and Chan's comments last year, I think it's a pretty good possibility.

 

"The guys that are coming out now, there's a bunch of those 5-9, 185-pound or 195-pound, quick-as-a-cat water bugs that are running backs-slash-receivers that might give you a little bit of a punch on the field, maybe make a big play."

[NewEra]

The head coach of the Buffalo Bills disagrees:

 

http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2011/04/11/chan-on-von-miller/

 

 

 

Zero percent is a little low. No, I don't think it's a lock, but coupled with Nix's comments about how the need at ILB is much greater than at OLB, and Chan's comments last year, I think it's a pretty good possibility.

Thx for posting the nix quote, I hadn't read that, but watching the kid play, I figured so much.

[BuffaloFan68]

I've been saying all year that our greatest need is DE! We need a pass rushing, run stuffing, 3-4 DE. Bowers was the #1 choice unitl they found out that his knee was not healing properly from surgery. We should draft at least 2 DEs.

It will be interesting to see what happens to Maybin. I knew that he was a project when we drafted him but how much time can we give him?

While I do feel that we need a franchise QB, I think the play of Fitz has decreased the urgency on that need a little. The Bills aren't in a position to draft best available, that philosophy only applies to established teams, we should draft base on need until the team is better established.

[Bangarang]

I've been saying all year that our greatest need is DE! We need a pass rushing, run stuffing, 3-4 DE. Bowers was the #1 choice unitl they found out that his knee was not healing properly from surgery. We should draft at least 2 DEs.

It will be interesting to see what happens to Maybin. I knew that he was a project when we drafted him but how much time can we give him?

While I do feel that we need a franchise QB, I think the play of Fitz has decreased the urgency on that need a little. The Bills aren't in a position to draft best available, that philosophy only applies to established teams, we should draft base on need until the team is better established.

 

The bolded part couldn't be any more wrong.

[DreReed83]

And Quinn is not an OLB. Urlacher wasn't an ILB. Rod Woodson wasn't a safety. He's a football player. Like the rest. Just a hunch, but if asked to play ILB, Miller would be one heck of an ILB. Given our current Hybrid scheme, I get the feeling that he would be playing both ILB (on rushing downs) and OLB on passing downs, mixing in some coverage. Some may say that if he's gonna play ILB, then he shouldn't be taken #3. Patrick Willis, Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher would be worth the #3 pick, not sure why Miller wouldn't be, if he has a chance to turn out like them. Of course, "if" he turns out like them, but the same applies to anyone taken #3. He's a versatile LB, exactly what this team needs. But to say he's "not" and ILB when he hasn't even been drafted yet, if off base in my book. He hasn't played ILB, truth, but that doesnt mean we can't put him there from time to time and he won't succeed. One of the reasons I do want us to draft him, is because I feel he has all the tools to succeed at ILB as well as OLB. Playing a hybrid scheme, it's nice to have guys that can play different positions. I think he can. Only time will tell though.

 

 

I too, think moats will be one of our starting OLBs, especially if we dont draft miller or Quinn. If we do draft one, it's gonna be "best man wins" between him and Merriman, or maybe someone else, if they light it up in training camp (hopefully we have one). The comment that irks me, is that moats deserves the starting spot because he "earned" it. He earned it because he played well in 4 games? Please. Let's see how they come in and play when the lockout is over, then lets decide who's "earned" it.

 

Those players changed to another position so they could contribute to the team while utilizing their strength. Why would you take a LB where his biggest strength is rushing off the edge, and then stick him in the middle where he won't be able to utilize his greatest asset? Thats just stupid talk.

 

Urlacher went from Safety to MLB because of his physicality and ability to tackle. Rod Woodson changed from CB to S later in his career because that's what his biggest strength would be.

 

This is what Jauron's crew failed to do. For example, putting Wood at G when his greatest strength is at C. Sure, you can just put him at Guard and he'll play at Guard, but what position would he excel at the most? Center. Its really not that difficult of a concept.

[NewEra]

I've been saying all year that our greatest need is DE! We need a pass rushing, run stuffing, 3-4 DE. Bowers was the #1 choice unitl they found out that his knee was not healing properly from surgery. We should draft at least 2 DEs.

It will be interesting to see what happens to Maybin. I knew that he was a project when we drafted him but how much time can we give him?

While I do feel that we need a franchise QB, I think the play of Fitz has decreased the urgency on that need a little. The Bills aren't in a position to draft best available, that philosophy only applies to established teams, we should draft base on need until the team is better established.

We need TWO DEs? We currently are currently paying Edwards a lot of money (while not a great DE, he's not a bum) and invested our 3rd Rd pick last year on carrington, who showed promise. While I'd like to draft a replacement for edwards, I don't think we need to replace carrington just yet. Let him play and see how it goes, if after the season, we feel he's not the answer, draft one next year. With all of our holes, drafting a replacement for our 3rd round pick a year after drafting him is pushing it. I'd rather try and fill an actual hole as opposed to trying to replace a player that showed promise. Bur maybe that's just me that thinks that way.

[DreReed83]

You have no idea what he is NOW, we haven't seen him NOW. I agree with the others, if he comes back at 75% of what he was, he's much better than Moats. Will he ever be 75% of what he was? No one knows. But IF he does, he will start. I don't think there's a question about that. You can't judge a player based on his play for the last 3-4 years when they can't play due to injuries. If he's still hurt or doesn't come back to form, moats will most definitely start. But if he does show he's healed up, there's most definitely a good chance he gets the nod. Not sure how what you don't get about that. You're speaking terms of black and white, when this entire discussion is a shade of grey.

 

I've seen enough of him NOW. If you think that he's going to light it up and be the player he was 5 years ago, without playing a single down in almost 2 years, you're going to be disappointed.

[Pete]

The bolded part couldn't be any more wrong.

BPA always. Reaching for need is how you end up awful- like the Bills the past 10 years

Edited April 20, 2011 by Pete

[NewEra]

Those players changed to another position so they could contribute to the team while utilizing their strength. Why would you take a LB where his biggest strength is rushing off the edge, and then stick him in the middle where he won't be able to utilize his greatest asset? Thats just stupid talk.

 

Urlacher went from Safety to MLB because of his physicality and ability to tackle. Rod Woodson changed from CB to S later in his career because that's what his biggest strength would be.

 

This is what Jauron's crew failed to do. For example, putting Wood at G when his greatest strength is at C. Sure, you can just put him at Guard and he'll play at Guard, but what position would he excel at the most? Center. Its really not that difficult of a concept.

His biggest asset is his speed, athelticism and ability to fly to the ball. Whether the balls in the QBs hands or the RBs hands. In college, he played with his hand on the ground 90% of the time, because that's what the Texas A&M defense needed him to do. That doesn't mean he isn't a great tackler, cant find the holes in the seem, or be great in coverage. He's as physically gifted a lb as we've seen in a long time (maybe not you), and has a good chance to succeed at any Lb position. We currently have moats and Merriman at OLb, IF both of them were to show that they can produce at a high level this year, why not see what he can do at ILB as well as rushing the QB? Nix has stated that he feels he'll be great wherever he's played. Just because he's a great pass rusher doesn't mean he can't do other things well too. You act as if, of he plays some ILB, that he's never gonna rush the QB. He'll be doing a bit of everything. Why is that so hard to comprehend?

[K-9]

I've seen enough of him NOW. If you think that he's going to light it up and be the player he was 5 years ago, without playing a single down in almost 2 years, you're going to be disappointed.

 

You and Merriman hang out together? NOW does mean present tense after all. How is his rehab is going? We'd all like to know.

 

GO BILLS!!!

[NewEra]

I've seen enough of him NOW. If you think that he's going to light it up and be the player he was 5 years ago, without playing a single down in almost 2 years, you're going to be disappointed.

Actually, you haven't. Say what you will, you haven't. You saw him on the sideline while he was injured. Maybe he'll be injured, maybe he'll bounce back. Maybe he'll bounce back and get injured again. At this point, you don't KNOW jack about how he's gonna play next year.

 

I'm not counting on him to do anything except come to camp and compete for a job. I think there's a good chance he'll never contribute to this team. But I don't KNOW jack.

[DreReed83]

His biggest asset is his speed, athelticism and ability to fly to the ball. Whether the balls in the QBs hands or the RBs hands. In college, he played with his hand on the ground 90% of the time, because that's what the Texas A&M defense needed him to do. That doesn't mean he isn't a great tackler, cant find the holes in the seem, or be great in coverage. He's as physically gifted a lb as we've seen in a long time (maybe not you), and has a good chance to succeed at any Lb position. We currently have moats and Merriman at OLb, IF both of them were to show that they can produce at a high level this year, why not see what he can do at ILB as well as rushing the QB? Nix has stated that he feels he'll be great wherever he's played. Just because he's a great pass rusher doesn't mean he can't do other things well too. You act as if, of he plays some ILB, that he's never gonna rush the QB. He'll be doing a bit of everything. Why is that so hard to comprehend?

 

So why would you put him at MLB in a 34 where you can't do that? MLB's do all the dirty work in a 34 system. OLB and MLB aren't the same and they have different skill sets.

 

I would consider Eric Wood our best offensive lineman. Why do we criticize our previous coaching staff when we placed him at Guard and not his natural position at C? This would be the same thing.

 

Actually, you haven't. Say what you will, you haven't. You saw him on the sideline while he was injured. Maybe he'll be injured, maybe he'll bounce back. Maybe he'll bounce back and get injured again. At this point, you don't KNOW jack about how he's gonna play next year.

 

I'm not counting on him to do anything except come to camp and compete for a job. I think there's a good chance he'll never contribute to this team. But I don't KNOW jack.

 

Nooo...actually I have. Thanks though.

 

You and Merriman hang out together? NOW does mean present tense after all. How is his rehab is going? We'd all like to know.

 

GO BILLS!!!

 

Yea we had a beer or 2 the other night. He said he's done but regardless, will try his best to get out there.

[White Linen]

I DON'T GIVE A SHT WHAT HE DID 5,6, OR 7 YEARS AGO. I just don't CARE. Great. What good is that going to do us NOW? Keep bringing up his past. Was he dominant? Yes. What's he done the last 2 years? NOTHING.

 

I never said he wasn't once dominant did I? He was, but I just really dont give a sht about what he did with the Chargers.

 

What's Merriman done NOW? Keep bringing up Merriman's number from 6 or 7 years ago cuz I don't care. All I care about is what they can do for us NOW and who is a better option for us NOW. NOW being the key word. Not 5 years ago. Not 6 or 7 years ago. NOW. Key Word: NOW. N-O-W. NOW.

 

Merriman ONCE had in this league. NO MORE. If Merriman can get 100% better and play like he did 6 years ago? Of course. BUT that's not the case NOW is he. Key word. NOW.

 

You kind of make yourself look silly when you keep saying 7 years ago. He didn't have any stats 7 years ago, he wasn't in the league. At least rant about possible things.

[Ramius]

I love it how someone posting that they think Miller could be moved inside turns into a OBD bash-fest for the Bills "planning" to do that. We've got people bashing the team for hypothetically moving a guy we haven't drafted to a position no one has even hinted he'd be moved to.

 

I can do this too: OMg, teh Bills are teh suxors! They are planning to move draft Nick Fairley and move him to CB. What a bunch of idiots we have running this team.

[DreReed83]

You kind of make yourself look silly when you keep saying 7 years ago. He didn't have any stats 7 years ago, he wasn't in the league. At least rant about possible things.

 

And everyone else looks silly when they expect someone who hasn't played football in 2 years to come right in and play as well as he did earlier in his career.

Edited April 20, 2011 by DreReed83

[White Linen]

Because you've seen him play the run from the ILB position to make that statement? Playing the run from the joker slot and from the ILB spot are 2 different things. From the ILB spot he isn't lined up vs a LT off the snap. It allows you to flow to the ball rather than going head up with an OL. There will be plays where you go head up playing ILB, but you have more freedom in general. His speed can make a difference vs the run if he's slotted at ILB, and I'm fairley certain there will be times hes asked to man it. ILB are also needed to cover, and he's shown that he isn't a fish out of water when in coverage, IMO, it will eventually be ONE of his strengths.

 

Don't be fairly certain because he will never play ILB. Ever.

[NewEra]

So why would you put him at MLB in a 34 where you can't do that? MLB's do all the dirty work in a 34 system. OLB and MLB aren't the same and they have different skill sets.

 

I would consider Eric Wood our best offensive lineman. Why do we criticize our previous coaching staff when we placed him at Guard and not his natural position at C? This would be the same thing.

 

 

 

Nooo...actually I have. Thanks though.

 

 

 

Yea we had a beer or 2 the other night. He said he's done but regardless, will try his best to get out there.

Thanks for letting me know OLB and MLB are different positions, I didn't know that. That being said, I think miller has the skill set for both positions, like I said before. MLBs are usually around 250, but they usually don't have his speed and athleticism. You act as if, if he played some MLB, that he would never play OLb and be used as a pass rusher. I think he'd be used situationally, sometimes rushing the passer, sometimes in coverage and sometimes vs the run. I'd take a player that can do multiple things over a player that can do one thing any day of the week. I feel he'll be able to multiple things well, not JUST rush the passer.