Who's the big Moats fan around here?

[eball]

...per Chris Brown

[5 Wide]

2 sacks in 3 games, I think it's a good move.

[Captain Hindsight]

Finding ways to get good players on the field

[nrod424]

Maybe the Sheppard is catching on pretty quickly. That would give the team a little insurance that could give Moats time to practice two positions.

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

Sounds like the ILB experiment has failed.

 

I guess I understand why they wanted Moats to play ILB, in light of the numbers at OLB. But why mess with a good thing? It two years, we could have two bookend stud OLB's just entering their primes in Moats and Batten.

[John from Riverside]

I for one hope he gets 3 sacks this weekend and the ILB experiment gets put to bed forever......

 

One of the things that would really move this defense up is a pass rush......we have the run stop....now we need to get after these QB's

[mrags]

Maybe the Sheppard is catching on pretty quickly. That would give the team a little insurance that could give Moats time to practice two positions.

I think this is about right. The team is probably more comfortable now that Shephard has shown he is a pretty decent player and officially off his injury.

I'd also say they might be a little puzzled with thv fact that Merriman hasn't had a single sack yet. I'm in the boat that I believe they played mostly to stop the run and then drop Merriman back a little more to not give up screens against NE. They seem to have done what they wanted on defense so far. There is still hope that Merriman isn't completely shot but moving Mats back to OLB after what he did last year after a few games is defenately a good move IMO.

[papazoid]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBh9SvWj2wk

[jr1]

Moats showed flashes of brilliance as a pass rusher. Let him do what he was born to do

[HARCO186]

To me it show's that the coaching staff realizes that they have a need for an outside pass rusher. If Moats is it then so be it. To say Merriman is old and not cutting it to me is wrong. He may not be getting the xtra drive needed to get sacks, but knows his position and plays sound. I think the coaches believe to put Moats in as a pass rusher on a third down situation is a good thing. We will see what happens. I can see Moats stepping in and rushing the passer in a heart beat. I hope this is not the case but we will see.

[Cash]

Great news! Never thought the move back to ILB made any sense, but it's great to see that the coaching staff is willing to admit mistakes and do what's best for the team. Love it!

[K-9]

Seems to me that Merriman is still hurt. His game is creating leverage with his hands but he still seems to be favoring his right shoulder a bit. I can understand Merriman and the Bills not publicizing his injury but he looks different than he did in his brief pre-season appearances.

 

As for Moats, if he has improved his technique against the run and can show he can drop into coverages, then he might be ok at OLB. Or, if the coaches feel he should just come in on obvious passing downs, then he can just worry about getting up field and getting after the QB. Too many people got enamored with his ability to rush the passer that they were too quick to overlook his obvious struggles with the rest of the position responsibilities. He was a liability in run and pass defense far more than he was an asset as a pass rusher.

 

GO BILLS!!!

[Defend Greece]

James Harrison junior

[The Big Cat]

Maybe the Sheppard is catching on pretty quickly. That would give the team a little insurance that could give Moats time to practice two positions.

 

 

To me it show's that the coaching staff realizes that they have a need for an outside pass rusher. If Moats is it then so be it. To say Merriman is old and not cutting it to me is wrong. He may not be getting the xtra drive needed to get sacks, but knows his position and plays sound. I think the coaches believe to put Moats in as a pass rusher on a third down situation is a good thing. We will see what happens. I can see Moats stepping in and rushing the passer in a heart beat. I hope this is not the case but we will see.

 

These.

 

Moats is the roaming backer. Not necessarily a doer-of-all, master-of-none, but capable of providing depth/insurance where the team needs it. To me this indicates that Kelvin is closer and closer to taking that next step and Merriman is close and closer to being an injury liability.

[Dorkington]

I still much prefer Merriman as the every down OLB, and if they need Moats for certain pass plays, so be it. Merriman, imo, has been pretty valuable this season, even without flashy sacks.

[Clip Smith]

Great news! Never thought the move back to ILB made any sense, but it's great to see that the coaching staff is willing to admit mistakes and do what's best for the team. Love it!

 

I think Wanny wanted to work with him inside and take advantage of his blitzing abilities if he could hold his own in coverage and recognition. He isn't built like a typical outside guy in that guys can get leverage on him easy with their reach mismatch. Then again....Jason Taylor is built so that an average Buffalo housewife should be able to knock him off his feet, but he had a pretty good career.

[TPS]

Cool. Since they released Coleman, I believe that left Batten as the only back up to Merriman. That will be an interesting battle: Batten vs Moats. Moats was th D2 player of the year, and Batten runner up.

[Max997]

I didnt see anything wrong with trying him at ILB for depth purposes but I did like what I saw from him as an OLB last year rushing the passer

 

This is probably the best move for him though and also prob means Sheppard is progressing as well

 

Id like to see Merriman play as a traditional OLB then a down lineman though

[Webster Guy]

I still much prefer Merriman as the every down OLB, and if they need Moats for certain pass plays, so be it. Merriman, imo, has been pretty valuable this season, even without flashy sacks.

You and a lot of people keep saying this. Where has he been valuable? Has he made ONE significant play in three games? Sacks are overrated but I'm still amazed at how many people defend Merriman. Maybe I'm missing something. All I see is a big name and a non-factor in regular season games.

 

I've been posting all year that Moats will be the best pass rusher we have on this team if they let him play the game. He can be a 10 sack guy and set the edge better than Merriman.

 

It reminds of when we first got Freddy Jackson and he was a practice squad guy but everytime he hit the field he did something. It was like "what are the coaches NOT seeing from this guy that they're keeping him benched"

 

Not saying Moats is there yet, but we need to give him a chance. I think Wanny wanted him inside but the film on Merriman is showing that he's a full step slower than he used to be and Moats is our best option as his backup.

[webtoe]

You and a lot of people keep saying this. Where has he been valuable? Has he made ONE significant play in three games? Sacks are overrated but I'm still amazed at how many people defend Merriman. Maybe I'm missing something. All I see is a big name and a non-factor in regular season games.

 

I've been posting all year that Moats will be the best pass rusher we have on this team if they let him play the game. He can be a 10 sack guy and set the edge better than Merriman.

 

It reminds of when we first got Freddy Jackson and he was a practice squad guy but everytime he hit the field he did something. It was like "what are the coaches NOT seeing from this guy that they're keeping him benched"

 

Not saying Moats is there yet, but we need to give him a chance. I think Wanny wanted him inside but the film on Merriman is showing that he's a full step slower than he used to be and Moats is our best option as his backup.

 

Have you seen the highlights of the Raiders V. Jets? If so, you saw McFadden being able to bust big runs because the Raiders were able to clean out the OLB. That did not happen against the Bills, precisely because Merriman was able to hold the edge. I believe that is what the design of the defense required, and he performed it perfectly.

 

The edge rush is lacking, but he has not played in two years, and is probably still working himself back into full-speed game shape. The were some brief glimpses in the Pats* game and I expect to see more as the season goes on.

Edited September 30, 2011 by webtoe

[Kelly the Dog]

The Bills have Barnett, Davis, Morrison, and Sheppard as ILB. With a pretty promising rookie in Chris White, who moves better than I thought he would, and is a prototype ILB. Moats is not getting on the field as an ILB, and probably the only way he stays on the team is to be a versatile player who can play inside and out, as well as ST.

 

This is all speculation, of course. IMO, they haven't asked the OLBs to rush strong to the passer in the first three games, but rather to contain. Quotes from Kyle Williams and others have backed that up. I expect a lot more of a concerted rush this week. I doubt the move was made because we were worried about the pass rush from the OLB but who knows.

[Thoner7]

I dont know if you are referring to me eball but I was/am one of the bigger Moats at OLB guys around. No suprise they are moving him back. Our pass rush has been missing and he was our best rusher last year. He made a nice STs play last week. Good to have him back!

 

You and a lot of people keep saying this. Where has he been valuable? Has he made ONE significant play in three games? Sacks are overrated but I'm still amazed at how many people defend Merriman. Maybe I'm missing something.

 

he has been dominating v the run. The biggest reason our run D has improved if you ask me.

 

FWIW he was tackled on one play that would have been a sack, and should have been a hold, v NE.

Edited September 30, 2011 by Thoner7

[taglientep]

WHOOO HOOOO!!!!! Pressure form both sides him and Merriman!

[Buffalo Barbarian]

...per Chris Brown

Thank God, I hope he stays out there.

[Estelle Getty]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/team/BUF

[Billshank Redemption]

good to see that **** finally

[Brand J]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/rapid-reports/team/BUF

 

That's where he should be. When the Bills moved him inside, they didn't foresee the influx of talent coming in to play ILB (Sheppard, Barnett, Morrison, White). He now gets to play his natural position and the staff wants to see if he can aid in the pass rush dept. Batten, Kelsay, Merriman, and Carrington have hardly gotten ANY QB pressures, so it's time to see if Moats can add in that dept. Hey, he beat all pro LT Jake Long for a sack and strip fumble on Henne last year, so that's good enough for me!

Good luck Moats!

[Juice_32]

I didnt see anything wrong with trying him at ILB for depth purposes but I did like what I saw from him as an OLB last year rushing the passer

 

 

i agree, i dont think it was as much a case of chan and co thinking moats was exclusively going to be an ilb as it was them wanting to see if he could play there in a reserve role.. they seem to like guys who can play multiple positions. if he can back up at ilb and be used as a situational pass rusher, then hes even more valuable. i have no problem at all with the experiment inside.

[ColdBlueNorth]

I still much prefer Merriman as the every down OLB, and if they need Moats for certain pass plays, so be it. Merriman, imo, has been pretty valuable this season, even without flashy sacks.

 

I am not quite ready to throw in the towel yet either. At least not based on the way I think they wanted the defense to play the first few games, I will be interested to see if they turn the dogs loose on Cincy's young inexperienced QB regardless of Benson in the backfield -especially if our offense can get an early lead on them. If that happens there will be a lot of pressure on the Cincy offense to keep up with our offense.

 

I do think that Moats has a future with the team, but I am not ready to say that Merriman is completely washed up yet. The Bills will also be able to rotate Troup in as well and I think that will help keep the D-Line pocket push going and spell Dareus and keep him fresh.

 

With pressure up the middle, I expect sacks as the QB tries to step outside the pocket.

[HurlyBurly51]

Sounds like the ILB experiment has failed.

 

Not sure where you could come up with that interpretation from the BB.com article. Clearly states he is being tried at OLB to see if they can get some pass rush, but he will probably remain a "roamer" LB both inside and out. Versatility is a good thing in the NFL.

[Kelly the Dog]

Not sure where you could come up with that interpretation from the BB.com article. Clearly states he is being tried at OLB to see if they can get some pass rush, but he will probably remain a "roamer" LB both inside and out. Versatility is a good thing in the NFL.

That's the way I see it. I don't see how he ever gets on the field behind Barnett, Davis, Morrison and Sheppard. If he can learn and play both inside and out he has a much better chance of staying and playing.

[San Jose Bills Fan]

Seems to me that Merriman is still hurt. His game is creating leverage with his hands but he still seems to be favoring his right shoulder a bit. I can understand Merriman and the Bills not publicizing his injury but he looks different than he did in his brief pre-season appearances.

Right on, K-9.

 

In spite of the team and media not making this an issue, I thought it was pretty much established on this forum that Merriman injured his shoulder in the first series against the Chiefs (came off the field with what looked like "a stinger"), and by the testimony of several posters here, re-injured the shoulder in a display of pregame enthusiasm (doing the lights out punching of the air).

 

In addition to those obvious moments, he's been wearing that big honking black shoulder harness on his right side.

 

It's clear to me and several others that Merriman is playing with a bum shoulder.

 

I mean for God's sake… it's obvious both from these incidents and from the contrast in his play from the preseason where he was unstoppable even by our opponents' first stringers.

 

The Bills have Barnett, Davis, Morrison, and Sheppard as ILB. With a pretty promising rookie in Chris White, who moves better than I thought he would, and is a prototype ILB. Moats is not getting on the field as an ILB, and probably the only way he stays on the team is to be a versatile player who can play inside and out, as well as ST.

Like some others (Juice_32), I viewed the reps he was taking at ILB as just making him a more valuable asset to the team. Both he and Batten can play inside or outside. Virtually every one of our D-linemen can play inside or outside. Three of our D-linemen (Kelsay, Carrington, Johnson) can even play linebacker.

 

I'm really enjoying the evolution of this team on both sides of the ball.

 

BTW, why'd you change your display name, Kelly?

 

Does this mean you're no longer gonna be Fair and Balanced?

 

Getting back to Merriman, (and again picking up on something said upthread) he's such an upgrade as a point-holding, edge-setting run defender.

 

Of course as a physical, experienced, 270 pound linebacker, you'd expect that to be the case… and it is.

 

He helps make the Bills run D much better than last year.

 

 

 

[bowery4]

It is kind of funny to see all the complaining about Merriman's pass rush, if you read SDs fan forums when Lights Out was Lights Out, they loved his abilities at getting at the QB but really had some complaints about his play on run downs or against run teams. IMO he is greatly improved in that area. I also think the shoulder must be bothering him at least a bit. I would also point out that we haven't been playing the same scheme (by a long shot really) that SD used to (they were strictly the original 3-4 type D). It takes time to adjust your game to the differences and you might not put up the kind of flashy stats that you did previously in another scheme, i.e. Jaruis Byrd. It doesn't mean that you are not doing a good job. I also expect Merriman will improve as the year goes on as long as he is healthy.

 

I also like the fact that we have some young guys moving into back up roles that don't seem to be that much of a drop off. Our LBs are a bit old (not really very old but it is like the rb position age wise in some ways) and we will probably lose at least A. Davis in FA this year (or let him leave). I happen to think that is kind of a shame as he is a great gap player (IMO) and is really comfortable next to Barrnet and they seem to have really good chemistry.

I love that they have Moats back at OLB (as it seems he is more comfortable and as far as I can see better there) but I like that they gave him some training at the inside. I think it is great we have that kind of option after years of just having terrible players at both inside and outside. Our D seems to have some depth for the first time in years in the front 7. Now it is just a matter of having some in the CB position lol, irony of ironies after all the years of DJ.

[BillsFan-4-Ever]

GO DUKES James Madison product - my daughter is in her second year there.

 

who are the naysayers? who are his fans. Its his second year. too early to be called a bust or success.

[Dan]

I'd like to see Merriman play as a traditional OLB then a down lineman though

 

I agree. I think that's what most people are missing. Merriman has played the first 3 games more as a DE with a hand on the ground going one on one with the LT. Maybe I'm wrong but I'm not sure. that's his strong suit, but it does help us set the edge to contain the run game.

[Bob in STL]

I still much prefer Merriman as the every down OLB, and if they need Moats for certain pass plays, so be it. Merriman, imo, has been pretty valuable this season, even without flashy sacks.

 

 

Agree. Merriman has played fantastic against the run and he is getting pressure on pass plays. Just a matter of time and his sacks will come.

[Saint Doug]

I think it's a bit naive to believe Merriman will get back to being "Lights Out". While he may be a solid player, let's remind ourselves that he has never shown his previous greatness since being busted for steroids (forget preseason, it's just preseason). Remember, steroids are a performance enhancing drug. They make players better than they actually are. And that "player" people saw in SD may never come back, regardless of injuries.

[Cotton Fitzsimmons]

...per Chris Brown

 

YE OLE is a big fan of Moats. I'm very encouraged by him moving back to OLB. We desperately need to find some pass rush from somewhere. The young man showed promise last year, it just makes sense to see if he could build on it.

[Dorkington]

You and a lot of people keep saying this. Where has he been valuable? Has he made ONE significant play in three games? Sacks are overrated but I'm still amazed at how many people defend Merriman. Maybe I'm missing something. All I see is a big name and a non-factor in regular season games.

 

I've been posting all year that Moats will be the best pass rusher we have on this team if they let him play the game. He can be a 10 sack guy and set the edge better than Merriman.

 

It reminds of when we first got Freddy Jackson and he was a practice squad guy but everytime he hit the field he did something. It was like "what are the coaches NOT seeing from this guy that they're keeping him benched"

 

Not saying Moats is there yet, but we need to give him a chance. I think Wanny wanted him inside but the film on Merriman is showing that he's a full step slower than he used to be and Moats is our best option as his backup.

I see him standing up the blocker(s) and not letting giant holes be made when other teams rush against us. I see him collapsing the pocket on passing downs. IMO, both are valuable. If you think he's worthless, then so be it... it's just an opinion. I'm assuming our coaches are liking what he's doing, otherwise he'd be sitting on the bench.

[3rdand12]

SJBF and Bowery have covered my thoughts on most every tangent here.

we have cross trained alot of players. A method of coaching i am just getting used to and consider it smart as heck.

I like the Moats and am looking forward to seeing more of him beyond special teams. Since Merriman is obvoiusly injured (and still taking care of his side of the field!) we need to get the youngsters to start bringing some heat.

Ye Ole i fear going against your hallowed position on matters, but i do not believe we do not need to Find a pass rush, so much as to actually start calling them. We have been playing fundamental football on both sides of the ball.

I have a feeling we might start practicing some blitzes if we can get up a couple points this sunday. Its the usual recipe against a traditional offensive style i am guessing which the bengals have been using. so far.

but i would be glad to see us put a little pressure on young andy. Which Moats should do. from the outside where is supposed to be.

go bills