Training Camp Notes: 8/5/11!

[BillsObserver]

As soon as I arrived in Pittsford, I knew it was going to be a hot one. Thankfully, because of the clouds and a slight breeze, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I got there a few minutes early and it was brutal but like I mentioned, it turned out alright once practice got going.

 

Good turnout for a Friday practice. I was at Monday's practice and there was definitely more people here today.

 

The first person I saw on the field today was QB/DB/Whatever role they give him if they don't cut him Josh Nesbitt. Michael Jasper and Michael Switzer (Center) were also apart of first group of guys on the field. The offensive line got together and did a bunch of stretches together.

 

I sat near the field that featured mostly offense so if this report lacks information on Defensive guys you want to hear about, I apologize in advance. It was difficult to see the other side although I did get some good glimpses of action occasionally.

 

At this point I realized Dareus was on the field in gear and pads participating. Thank heaven for that. But then I looked over to see Shawne Merriman NOT in pads and observing. Bummer. Oh well -- this was one of his planned days off. The Bills don't want to risk anything with him right now so they are playing it extra carefully. David Martin and Shawn Nelson (what a surprise) were also on the sidelines observing.

 

Levi Brown, Josh Nesbitt and Brad Smith threw together while Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tyler Thigpen were off to the side throwing to each other. At this point I realized what a beautiful spiral Thigpen throws.

 

On the other field, Dave Wannstedt spent a bunch of time with newly acquired Nick Barnett. He was definitely coaching Nick up for a good 15 minutes.

 

Fred Jackson was having some fun throwing a few balls the way of the net with the 3 holes in it (for the QBs). He actually hit his first target. His second one however, completely missed and Levi Brown was cracking up. Donald Jones, a known ball buster, must have said something because Fred whipped a ball his way.

 

Marcus Easley took part in some light drills. He participated in any drill where he could stay within a certain distance and catch. He did walk with a slight limp at times. This guy is an impressive physical specimen.

 

There was no sign of David Nelson, who I later found out was sent back to see the Bills doctors in Buffalo.

 

I noticed Darryl Talley with Shawne Merriman on the sidelines talking for more than 10 minutes observing the Linebacker drills -- likely having a good laugh over Aaron Maybin trying to push people around. To Maybin's credit, he wasn't totally awful here. He fit in well enough.

 

The QBs started throwing some balls to receivers and tight ends at this point. I'd like to mention again how well Thigpen throws the ball. This was with no defenders though (more on that later). Chandler and Pianalto were catching everything. Nesbitt threw a bad ball or 2.

 

The special teams did their thing on the longer field. McKelvin, Donald Jones, #25 (assuming this is one of the new running backs brought in today, Bruce Hall?!), and CJ Spiller took the returns, in that order. Not much to note here other than Spiller looking more confident with the ball.

 

The kickers were up next. Chris Hazley, who wears #3, was taking turns kicking with Rian Lindell. Lindell hit most of his kicks, including the long ones. Hazley wasn't that bad until they started kicking from longer distances. His last kick, which was the furthest distance, barely reached the post.

 

Up until this point, I had barely seen Dareus or Jasper. They started the 11 on 11 handoff drills and Dareus was on the line with Kyle Williams playing the end. The defense lined up in the 4-3 with Torbor and Barnett out there on the starting unit already.

 

After the handoff drills, they did some more positional drills. I got a good view of the defensive tackles and ends. During a simple drill, Alex Carrington was getting the most flack from the coach. Dareus looked about as good as you could during this but I don't want to over-hype it because it was a simple drill.

 

On the other field, the QBs were taking turns with a receiver against a corner. First up was Stevie Johnson against Terrence McGee. Stevie won with a well thrown ball by Fitz.

 

Naaman Roosevelt caught the first long ball of the day when he beat his man for a touchdown which received a nice response from the crowd. That was the first of a string of long touchdowns.

 

Roscoe Parrish did a stop and go route which completely fooled Drayton Florence, who ended up falling down, which made for an easy throw and catch for a touchdown. Crowd loved this.

 

Kamar Aiken was the next guy to catch a long touchdown. Brad Smith (yes, Brad Smith) threw it and Aiken made a nice grab to beat his man. At this point, Aiken started to standout in a good way. He's not fast but he creates separation from his man. At 219 pounds, he looks like a stockier receiver.

 

The defensive lineman proceeded to do the goofiest shadow boxing drill I've ever seen. They'd basically just punch a few times while running and that's the drill. Some of the guys doing it looked freakin' hilarious like Michael Jasper, who got some laughs from the crowd. I recorded some of this and hope to get it up on Youtube in the next few days. Lionell Dotson (#97) also looked ridiculous.

 

7 on 7 work was next. Fitz threw to Roscoe for a short gain. Fitz threw to Chandler for a long touchdown which got a great response from the crowd. This was a beautiful throw and catch by both guys. Chandler looks really good so far. Let's hope Chan finds a way to fit him in the offense. Dude is 6'7!! Fitz hit Spiller for a completion in the flat. Fitz went deep again, this time to Tight End Mike Caussin (#82 - every time he made a reception I thought Josh Reed was back). Fitz threw ANOTHER deep ball, this time to the left sideline to Lee Evans who caught it but may have bobbled it as he approached the sideline.

 

I peaked over on the other side to Wang v. Maybin. These guys have been paired up a lot which tells you something. The first battle was pretty even with Maybin getting his hands up high on Wang's helmet. Next up was Danny Batten v. Wang. Batten schooled the living hell out of Wang here. I'm starting to doubt whether Wang belongs on this team at all.

 

Back to the 7 on 7 - Thigpen, who was against defenders for the first time, didn't look quite as sharp as earlier. 2 of his first 3 throws were incompletions. One of them he threw way too low.

 

On the other side was MOUNT JASPER v. Hangartner. Hangman won, unfortunately. To Jasper's defense, I heard from a few guys around me that he pushed Hangman back a few times so I just caught the one that Hangman did well on.

 

Back to the other side - Brad Smith (who is getting serious QB reps) threw to Naaman Roosevelt over the middle. At this point I asked myself, does Naaman drop anything?! Sadly, I'm not sure there's a spot for him with all of the depth we have at WR (unless someone is hurt). Brad Smith should have been picked off on the next throw by #46 (apparently his name is DOYLE MILLER!) but he dropped it. I guess that's why he's DOYLE MILLER.

 

Kamar Aiken was once again getting good separation and catching most of the balls that came his way. Like I said earlier, a bigger dude who isn't fast by any means but he somehow gets open. If Easley can't stay healthy, can this guy make the squad? Definitely a practice squad candidate.

 

Fitz came back in and threw a completion to the WIDE OPEN Caussin. He missed on his next throw to Stevie Johnson. Fitz tried forcing it. Thigpen comes in and throws a BEAUTIFUL ball to Donald Jones (who had a really good day). 20 yard touchdown and the crowd loved it.

 

On the next play, Thigpen found a COMPLETELY WIDE OPEN Caussin. This time it had to be a mistake (blown coverage) because nobody was around the guy. Once again Thigpen impresses me (Thigbeardy?!) with a good 15 yard Touchdown throw to Chandler. Horn blows, next drill.

 

This was the point where my phone died and I couldn't tweet anymore. Sorry about that, folks.

 

They did some positional drills again - light stuff. I noticed Wannstedt with Nick Barnett for ANOTHER solid 10 minutes or so. Straight up coaching. Barnett was asking all sorts of questions about lining up and what position he should be in at the point of attack. GOOD stuff.

 

OK -- it's time what we all came to see, the 11 on 11 stuff. I made note of ALL 41 plays (yep, I felt like a goofball doing this but I love this stuff)

 

Click here for the REST of my report where I go over ALL 41 11-on-11 plays. And a few more observations/notes. Yes, I'm insane.

Edited August 6, 2011 by Fitzbeardy

[Fixxxer]

Thanks Fitzbeardy, excellent work. BTW, #25 is DaNorris Searcy.

[Donald Duck]

Thanks

[BillsObserver]

My pleasure guys. Sorry if I screwed up any names or numbers. Had to write this quickly...

 

TIME TO DRINK SOME BEERS and eat dinner.

[Doc]

Aiken has been a sleeper of mine since I saw him last Saturday. And he ran a 4.45 40 at his pro day.

[Kelly the Dog]

Much obliged, Fitzbeardy. That was an excellent report.

[CSBill]

Good stuff, thanks much Fitz. . . . getting anxious to see some real action

[john]

Great notes!! Just a casual observation here, and I realize it's just the first week of training camp, but doesn't anyone get the impression that Thigpin has looked much sharper with fewer reps? He knows Gailey and his offense and seems to be very comfortable now that they have been reunited. I love Fitz and his competitive fire, but no one can question that he just doesn't seem to have great accuracy, especially on the deep throws. Anyone think Tyler has a realistic shot of beating out Fitz for the opening day start at KC? I'm not trying to start anything either. I support both guys and I will back the starter. I just want to see the best guy win...and that is the guy who gives this team the best possible chance of winning when the season opens.

GO BILLS!!

[PDaDdy]

Rock on! Thanks

[MiamiGeorge]

great work! keep them coming!

[ganesh]

Great notes!! Just a casual observation here, and I realize it's just the first week of training camp, but doesn't anyone get the impression that Thigpin has looked much sharper with fewer reps? He knows Gailey and his offense and seems to be very comfortable now that they have been reunited. I love Fitz and his competitive fire, but no one can question that he just doesn't seem to have great accuracy, especially on the deep throws. Anyone think Tyler has a realistic shot of beating out Fitz for the opening day start at KC? I'm not trying to start anything either. I support both guys and I will back the starter. I just want to see the best guy win...and that is the guy who gives this team the best possible chance of winning when the season opens.

GO BILLS!!

Another QB Controversy...Yes and No...Currently, there is great chemistry between Fitz and the rest of the time. The rest of the team is completely behind him. I doubt Gailey will break that up and do something different. Having said that, if the Bills did start 0-3, Gailey may go back to his favorite pupil from his past.

[Deep Voice]

Much obliged, Fitzbeardy. That was an excellent report.

 

 

Yeah

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Great notes!! Just a casual observation here, and I realize it's just the first week of training camp, but doesn't anyone get the impression that Thigpin has looked much sharper with fewer reps? He knows Gailey and his offense and seems to be very comfortable now that they have been reunited. I love Fitz and his competitive fire, but no one can question that he just doesn't seem to have great accuracy, especially on the deep throws. Anyone think Tyler has a realistic shot of beating out Fitz for the opening day start at KC? I'm not trying to start anything either. I support both guys and I will back the starter. I just want to see the best guy win...and that is the guy who gives this team the best possible chance of winning when the season opens.

GO BILLS!!

 

Isn't that how we wound up with Trent as the starter and began 0-2: choosing the guy who looks like the better QB in training camp?

[Pilsner]

Great info Fitzbeardy. Much appreciated.

[FluffHead]

Aiken has been a sleeper of mine since I saw him last Saturday. And he ran a 4.45 40 at his pro day.

Agreed. I've been to two Practices and he stood out both times. He just knows how to get open. It's a shame were going to be cutting some good wide receivers.

[San Jose Bills Fan]

Damn, it's great having training camp reports.

 

You and Michael both do a great job.

 

I know you love doing this but still… thanks a lot!

[BillsObserver]

Thanks so much for the comments, guys. Really awesome of you all.

 

Tomorrow I will post some videos that I took. I'll put em up in this thread. Nothing too interesting..

[shoretalk]

As soon as I arrived in Pittsford, I knew it was going to be a hot one. Thankfully, because of the clouds and a slight breeze, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I got there a few minutes early and it was brutal but like I mentioned, it turned out alright once practice got going.

 

Good turnout for a Friday practice. I was at Monday's practice and there was definitely more people here today.

 

The first person I saw on the field today was QB/DB/Whatever role they give him if they don't cut him Josh Nesbitt. Michael Jasper and Michael Switzer (Center) were also apart of first group of guys on the field. The offensive line got together and did a bunch of stretches together.

 

I sat near the field that featured mostly offense so if this report lacks information on Defensive guys you want to hear about, I apologize in advance. It was difficult to see the other side although I did get some good glimpses of action occasionally.

 

At this point I realized Dareus was on the field in gear and pads participating. Thank heaven for that. But then I looked over to see Shawne Merriman NOT in pads and observing. Bummer. Oh well -- this was one of his planned days off. The Bills don't want to risk anything with him right now so they are playing it extra carefully. David Martin and Shawn Nelson (what a surprise) were also on the sidelines observing.

 

Levi Brown, Josh Nesbitt and Brad Smith threw together while Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tyler Thigpen were off to the side throwing to each other. At this point I realized what a beautiful spiral Thigpen throws.

 

On the other field, Dave Wannstedt spent a bunch of time with newly acquired Nick Barnett. He was definitely coaching Nick up for a good 15 minutes.

 

Fred Jackson was having some fun throwing a few balls the way of the net with the 3 holes in it (for the QBs). He actually hit his first target. His second one however, completely missed and Levi Brown was cracking up. Donald Jones, a known ball buster, must have said something because Fred whipped a ball his way.

 

Marcus Easley took part in some light drills. He participated in any drill where he could stay within a certain distance and catch. He did walk with a slight limp at times. This guy is an impressive physical specimen.

 

There was no sign of David Nelson, who I later found out was sent back to see the Bills doctors in Buffalo.

 

I noticed Darryl Talley with Shawne Merriman on the sidelines talking for more than 10 minutes observing the Linebacker drills -- likely having a good laugh over Aaron Maybin trying to push people around. To Maybin's credit, he wasn't totally awful here. He fit in well enough.

 

The QBs started throwing some balls to receivers and tight ends at this point. I'd like to mention again how well Thigpen throws the ball. This was with no defenders though (more on that later). Chandler and Pianalto were catching everything. Nesbitt threw a bad ball or 2.

 

The special teams did their thing on the longer field. McKelvin, Donald Jones, #25 (assuming this is one of the new running backs brought in today, Bruce Hall?!), and CJ Spiller took the returns, in that order. Not much to note here other than Spiller looking more confident with the ball.

 

The kickers were up next. Chris Hazley, who wears #3, was taking turns kicking with Rian Lindell. Lindell hit most of his kicks, including the long ones. Hazley wasn't that bad until they started kicking from longer distances. His last kick, which was the furthest distance, barely reached the post.

 

Up until this point, I had barely seen Dareus or Jasper. They started the 11 on 11 handoff drills and Dareus was on the line with Kyle Williams playing the end. The defense lined up in the 4-3 with Torbor and Barnett out there on the starting unit already.

 

After the handoff drills, they did some more positional drills. I got a good view of the defensive tackles and ends. During a simple drill, Alex Carrington was getting the most flack from the coach. Dareus looked about as good as you could during this but I don't want to over-hype it because it was a simple drill.

 

On the other field, the QBs were taking turns with a receiver against a corner. First up was Stevie Johnson against Terrence McGee. Stevie won with a well thrown ball by Fitz.

 

Naaman Roosevelt caught the first long ball of the day when he beat his man for a touchdown which received a nice response from the crowd. That was the first of a string of long touchdowns.

 

Roscoe Parrish did a stop and go route which completely fooled Drayton Florence, who ended up falling down, which made for an easy throw and catch for a touchdown. Crowd loved this.

 

Kamar Aiken was the next guy to catch a long touchdown. Brad Smith (yes, Brad Smith) threw it and Aiken made a nice grab to beat his man. At this point, Aiken started to standout in a good way. He's not fast but he creates separation from his man. At 219 pounds, he looks like a stockier receiver.

 

The defensive lineman proceeded to do the goofiest shadow boxing drill I've ever seen. They'd basically just punch a few times while running and that's the drill. Some of the guys doing it looked freakin' hilarious like Michael Jasper, who got some laughs from the crowd. I recorded some of this and hope to get it up on Youtube in the next few days. Lionell Dotson (#97) also looked ridiculous.

 

7 on 7 work was next. Fitz threw to Roscoe for a short gain. Fitz threw to Chandler for a long touchdown which got a great response from the crowd. This was a beautiful throw and catch by both guys. Chandler looks really good so far. Let's hope Chan finds a way to fit him in the offense. Dude is 6'7!! Fitz hit Spiller for a completion in the flat. Fitz went deep again, this time to Tight End Mike Caussin (#82 - every time he made a reception I thought Josh Reed was back). Fitz threw ANOTHER deep ball, this time to the left sideline to Lee Evans who caught it but may have bobbled it as he approached the sideline.

 

I peaked over on the other side to Wang v. Maybin. These guys have been paired up a lot which tells you something. The first battle was pretty even with Maybin getting his hands up high on Wang's helmet. Next up was Danny Batten v. Wang. Batten schooled the living hell out of Wang here. I'm starting to doubt whether Wang belongs on this team at all.

 

Back to the 7 on 7 - Thigpen, who was against defenders for the first time, didn't look quite as sharp as earlier. 2 of his first 3 throws were incompletions. One of them he threw way too low.

 

On the other side was MOUNT JASPER v. Hangartner. Hangman won, unfortunately. To Jasper's defense, I heard from a few guys around me that he pushed Hangman back a few times so I just caught the one that Hangman did well on.

 

Back to the other side - Brad Smith (who is getting serious QB reps) threw to Naaman Roosevelt over the middle. At this point I asked myself, does Naaman drop anything?! Sadly, I'm not sure there's a spot for him with all of the depth we have at WR (unless someone is hurt). Brad Smith should have been picked off on the next throw by #46 (apparently his name is DOYLE MILLER!) but he dropped it. I guess that's why he's DOYLE MILLER.

 

Kamar Aiken was once again getting good separation and catching most of the balls that came his way. Like I said earlier, a bigger dude who isn't fast by any means but he somehow gets open. If Easley can't stay healthy, can this guy make the squad? Definitely a practice squad candidate.

 

Fitz came back in and threw a completion to the WIDE OPEN Caussin. He missed on his next throw to Stevie Johnson. Fitz tried forcing it. Thigpen comes in and throws a BEAUTIFUL ball to Donald Jones (who had a really good day). 20 yard touchdown and the crowd loved it.

 

On the next play, Thigpen found a COMPLETELY WIDE OPEN Caussin. This time it had to be a mistake (blown coverage) because nobody was around the guy. Once again Thigpen impresses me (Thigbeardy?!) with a good 15 yard Touchdown throw to Chandler. Horn blows, next drill.

 

This was the point where my phone died and I couldn't tweet anymore. Sorry about that, folks.

 

They did some positional drills again - light stuff. I noticed Wannstedt with Nick Barnett for ANOTHER solid 10 minutes or so. Straight up coaching. Barnett was asking all sorts of questions about lining up and what position he should be in at the point of attack. GOOD stuff.

 

OK -- it's time what we all came to see, the 11 on 11 stuff. I made note of ALL 41 plays (yep, I felt like a goofball doing this but I love this stuff)

 

Click here for the REST of my report where I go over ALL 41 11-on-11 plays. And a few more observations/notes. Yes, I'm insane.

THANKS

[John Cocktosten]

Fitzbeardy is a stud.

[Mark Long Beach]

NICE work Fitzbeardy!

 

Much appreciated!

[FluffHead]

Good morning fitzy. Good morning fitzy's beard. Did you both sleep well?

[Dennis in NC]

Hey Fitzbeardy, thank you for the good work!

 

It is much appreciated out here in the wild west.

[Mike32282]

Awesome job, Fitzbeardy. I couldn't make it and I'm glad to get a different insiders view.

[rpcolosi]

great post... only disagreement I'd have is on how well you say Thigpen throws the ball. Granted you are at camp and I am not, but from watching highlights on BB.com he's thrown a ton of wobbly ducks. Obviously your sample size is a lot greater being there, but from what's aired on the camp high lights, his deep balls all open up too much (i will say his short/intermediate throws look crisp and tight).

 

keep up the great posts, love reading this all the way from japan where we just survived another awesome typhoon!

[beerme1]

Sweet! Thanks for the depth of detail you have provided. It's freaking awesome man! Fitz takes us to the playoffs this year. One year ahead of schedule. Rock on.

Cheers

[clearwater cadet]

Thanks, better then the old empire sports network days.

[BillsObserver]

Awesome job, Fitzbeardy. I couldn't make it and I'm glad to get a different insiders view.

 

Thanks, Mike. I love reading your reports. You are awesome..

 

great post... only disagreement I'd have is on how well you say Thigpen throws the ball. Granted you are at camp and I am not, but from watching highlights on BB.com he's thrown a ton of wobbly ducks. Obviously your sample size is a lot greater being there, but from what's aired on the camp high lights, his deep balls all open up too much (i will say his short/intermediate throws look crisp and tight).

 

keep up the great posts, love reading this all the way from japan where we just survived another awesome typhoon!

 

Now that I think about it - the throws I noticed most from Thigbeardy were his short to intermediate ones. They were things of beauty. You may be right about his longer balls not looking as tight - I'll pay closer attention next time I go. And man, hope all is well with you and yours over in Japan.

 

Good morning fitzy. Good morning fitzy's beard. Did you both sleep well?

 

The beard essentially acts as another pillow proving extra comfort and in turn a beautiful night's sleep. Thanks for asking!

[Bob in STL]

Great report Fitzbeardy.

 

Much appreciated.

[BillsObserver]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57VvNbimZnY&feature=player_profilepage

 

I can only post one Youtube video at a time, right? Like I mentioned yesterday, this was my first time trying this so I didn't get the best footage, this was just an experiment and I wanted to see how it looks..

[PromoTheRobot]

I keep reading Naaman's name followed by words like "impressive" and "great catch". I figured him to be a PS candidate or cut because of the logjam at WR, but he seems to be fighting to win his job.

 

PTR

[BillsObserver]

Here's the drill I referenced in my report, the one where the D-lineman do the shadowboxing drill. I refer to #97 as McCargo in the video. My bad. That's Dotson. Unfortunately this was the second time around, if only I had caught the first time they did this, you would all crack up over Jasper's first attempt. Just looked funny.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Gaz3hF2_Qs&feature=player_detailpage

[Beerball]

Good stuff Beardy, thanks!

[Welborn9]

Fitzbeardy you are giving us what the NFLntwrk and its coverage of "all 32 team" camps are not. Couldnt me more pleased with your reports. HERES TO FITZBEARDY

[AxelRipper]

Everything I've read from camp has had Naaman as being incredible out there. I really hope he can make the team.

[BillsObserver]

One last video I took. I've probably said this a million times already but thanks for all of the comments. Naaman will have a good opportunity to shine next week (first preseason game). If he continues to play this way, there's no way they can cut him unless he's totally useless in the blocking and special teams department. That's why Donald Jones will make this team - not only has he caught a lot, he's tremendous on special teams and has improved his blocking skills against opposing cornerbacks.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB_Lqg7pxgo&feature=player_detailpage

[jwolf02]

Unbelievable report. Awesome work and thanks fitzbeardy!

[muffmonster]

Fitzbeardy you are giving us what the NFLntwrk and its coverage of "all 32 team" camps are not. Couldnt me more pleased with your reports. HERES TO FITZBEARDY

 

Amen to that, Fitzbeardy for president, or at least the Nobel peace prize. Really appreciate your reports.

[BillsRUs]

Fitzbeardy you're the man!!

[BobbyC81]

Agreed. I've been to two Practices and he stood out both times. He just knows how to get open. It's a shame were going to be cutting some good wide receivers.

 

 

Since this is a developing team, why not consider trading L.Evans straight up for a position of need? OT?

[Rubes]

Awesome, can't get enough of this stuff. Thanks!