Merriman Update

[26TrapDraw]

so read on BB.com that this is the best he's felt in 3 yrs. So if he returns to "lights out" this defense will just be gross. Then the next question is if he rips it up in preseason( and I don't mean his old rubberband effect roided out tendons and ligaments) does he stay in the pass rush specialist role or does he get put in that OLB spot permanently?. my guess is he puts his hand on the ground and rushes from the DE spot...but who knows...thoughts?

 

link

Edited May 15, 2012 by Beerball
Added link

[MARCELL DAREUS POWER]

Probably will rotate with anderson. 50-50...

 

 

whats more intersting, assuming merriman is ready to roll. do they keep kelsay when he will only play 10-12 snaps a game, or will they keep batten/moore/dotson instead.

 

seems like you might want to keep the younger player with higher upside, especially if kelsay is most likely gone next year.

 

so... if they keep 5 des

 

anderson

mario

merriman

moore

batten

 

if i was gailey/nix, i would keep batten. younger, fresher legs with similar production basically. jmo

 

btw, watch out for kyle moore, he has lots of potential and ability...

Edited May 15, 2012 by MARCELL DAREUS POWER

[mrags]

I'd say he splits time with Anderson on one end and one of the olbs on the other.

[rayray808]

if he is back to "lights out"... mario is 300+ lbs... kyle returns to pro bowl form... anderson puts up the same #s... dareus gets sophomore love... and gilmore plays like a top ten pick this defense will be a SERIOUS contender for best defense in the league... no joke

[#34fan]

I don't buy it for a SECOND. This is just a ruse to generate interest so he doesn't get cut. Merriman is dead weight in this new defensive scheme, and he knows it. He can't stay healthy, and he can no longer perform at a high level. Merriman won't last five games at DE.

Edited May 15, 2012 by #34fan

[MARCELL DAREUS POWER]

I don't buy it for a SECOND. This is just a ruse to generate interest so he doesn't get cut. Merriman is dead weight in this new defensive scheme, and he knows it. He can't stay healthy, and he can no longer perform at a high level. Merriman won't last five games at DE.

 

 

they wont cut him unless he gets hurt again...

 

[ajzepp]

I don't buy it for a SECOND. This is just a ruse to generate interest so he doesn't get cut. Merriman is dead weight in this new defensive scheme, and he knows it. He can't stay healthy, and he can no longer perform at a high level. Merriman won't last five games at DE.

 

It kills me to say it, but I think you're right. I don't see him being a contributor this year at all. I hope I'm wrong, but I just think it's safer to assume he won't be back.

[judman]

He needs to stay healthy beyond the end of the tunnel this year with his "lights out" dance.

[Shoto]

Merriman will offer nothing for us just like the past 2 years.......he is done as far as I am concern.

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

I don't buy it for a SECOND. This is just a ruse to generate interest so he doesn't get cut. Merriman is dead weight in this new defensive scheme, and he knows it. He can't stay healthy, and he can no longer perform at a high level. Merriman won't last five games at DE.

 

I am sure chan nix evaluate press releases, not film and practice when making roster decisions. Since lights out know this he's perpetrated this clever ruse.

[eball]

Threads like this amuse me. Nobody around here has any idea what Merriman is or isn't able to do, and we won't know for another couple of months. Only a fool would EXPECT "lights out" to return, but it's just as foolish to completely write him off. Bottom line -- if he can be productive, he makes the Bills' defense that much stronger. We should all be rooting for that.

[Doc]

I'm cautiously optimistic, but at least the Bills have addressed the pass rush in other ways if he gets injured again.

[RyanC883]

Threads like this amuse me. Nobody around here has any idea what Merriman is or isn't able to do, and we won't know for another couple of months. Only a fool would EXPECT "lights out" to return, but it's just as foolish to completely write him off. Bottom line -- if he can be productive, he makes the Bills' defense that much stronger. We should all be rooting for that.

 

 

exactly. Why would you want to root against him! If he returns to form, that only helps our D. I'm not sold that he's not over-hyping his physical condition at this point, but I certainly hope he's telling the truth!

[BuffaloFan68]

I think Merriman & Easley with both be really big contributors to our success this year.

 

Bills Goal = Super Bowl Let's Go Buffalo! ! ! ! !

[Canadian Bills Fan]

I highly doubt Merriman will be the same player he was when he was on steriods.

 

Players simply dont return to that form when they are not taking them.

 

I hope he has a good season but I am not expecting anything close to what we saw during his "Lights Out" era with the Chargers

[shoretalk]

so read on BB.com that this is the best he's felt in 3 yrs. So if he returns to "lights out" this defense will just be gross. Then the next question is if he rips it up in preseason( and I don't mean his old rubberband effect roided out tendons and ligaments) does he stay in the pass rush specialist role or does he get put in that OLB spot permanently?. my guess is he puts his hand on the ground and rushes from the DE spot...but who knows...thoughts?

We saw a glimpse last summer in the preseason of what he could be ... however, he has a lot of damage to recover from.

 

If ... and even with all of these positive statements that is a big if ... he is healthy then it's clear that the Bills plan to have him at the DE spot in our rotation. I cannot imagine him going back into coverage.

 

A healthy Merriman gives us 4 quality ends in Williams, Anderson, Kelsay (Yes, he is not going anywhere.), and Merriman. When you think about what Kyle Williams and Dareus will be doing in the middle of the line it will be total havoc for offenses.

[Mark80]

if he is back to "lights out"... mario is 300+ lbs... kyle returns to pro bowl form... anderson puts up the same #s... dareus gets sophomore love... and gilmore plays like a top ten pick this defense will be a SERIOUS contender for best defense in the league... no joke

 

I hate to say it, but that is a lot of "ifs".

[Hapless Bills Fan]

so read on BB.com that this is the best he's felt in 3 yrs.

 

I"m more interested in seeing on Sunday how he's feeling

[BUFFALOTONE]

I don't have high hopes for Merriman but if he can sub in here and there and make a big play it is well worth it. He doesn't need to be an every down player. It is so important to have fresh pass rushers at the end of a close game. Which are normally the case with us. Nothing worse than watching Brady with the ball and 1:30 on the clock.

[eball]

I highly doubt Merriman will be the same player he was when he was on steriods.

 

Players simply dont return to that form when they are not taking them.

 

I hope he has a good season but I am not expecting anything close to what we saw during his "Lights Out" era with the Chargers

Somebody please fact-check me, but didn't Merriman have his best season AFTER being busted for 'roids?

[bigc14120]

if he is back to "lights out"... mario is 300+ lbs... kyle returns to pro bowl form... anderson puts up the same #s... dareus gets sophomore love... and gilmore plays like a top ten pick this defense will be a SERIOUS contender for best defense in the league... no joke

No defense, installing a new package, after a couple of years in the 3-4 will top the league. To many new things to learn, and to many new moving parts that need to learn about each other to make it to the league best. My hope: Move to the top half of the league defenses.....considering we were 30th last year, that would be a MAJOR move.

[Jerry Jabber]

Given Merriman's injury history, I'm not expecting anything from him this season. So if he does produce anything at all, it will be a bonus.

[Wayne Cubed]

Somebody please fact-check me, but didn't Merriman have his best season AFTER being busted for 'roids?

you would be correct.

 

He sat out 4 games in 2006 for the "failed test", went on to record 17 sacks that season still. In 2007 he had 12.5 sacks.

 

The pessimists will say the steriods had a lingering effect on his body. I wasn't aware steriods stayed in your system for months and months.

[bigc14120]

Merriman has stayed with it a long time in trying to recover, and has mostly kept his poise. You cannot rule out a return to prior form, since he is doing the right things. I think that the prior approach of no surgery actually slowed his return to form. His chances this time are better than last, says me. NIX wanted to bet on this horse, NIX is the man, and I am waiting for this bet to play out favorably.

[Bills!Win!]

If someone told me 2 years ago that we would have Mario Williams, Nick Barnett and Shawn Merriman, I would've laughed in your face.

 

If you look at the talent on paper it looks dominant. Hopefully they all stay healthy. Also, Ralph isn't cheap, finally.

[BRAWNDO]

If the Bills can get 10-12 snaps a game from him and 6-8 sacks this will be a success. I see him as a DE/pass rush specialist.

[eball]

Another point to consider -- this is the final year of Merriman's deal. He's still a young man. He will NOT be able to command any sort of decent contract (or extension) simply by telling folks this is the "best he's felt in years." It will have to be shown on the football field, which makes talk of some orchestrated ruse pretty ridiculous.

[Canadian Bills Fan]

Didnt he say last off season that the Bills found something with his injury that was overlooked by the Chargers and that he never felt better yet he still landed on IR last year?

 

Dont get me wrong, I am a Merriman fan but it seems like I have heard him say things like this before.

[shrader]

Wasn't he feeling the best he's ever felt last year too? I feel like I saw that exact same quote at some point.

[EastRochBillsfan]

I don't buy it for a SECOND. This is just a ruse to generate interest so he doesn't get cut. Merriman is dead weight in this new defensive scheme, and he knows it. He can't stay healthy, and he can no longer perform at a high level. Merriman won't last five games at DE.

 

You don't know wtf you are talking about. Obviously he hasn't performed at a high level when his injuries have hampered him. But it looks like they found the problem and did the surgery to correct it. I'm pretty sure he is in with the trainers frequently and they know where he is at. No RUSE.You're just a negative f Will it work out? nobody knows. well, except you. but its looking better than at has in the past. Try a little hope, it works wonders for the soul

 

 

Threads like this amuse me. Nobody around here has any idea what Merriman is or isn't able to do, and we won't know for another couple of months. Only a fool would EXPECT "lights out" to return, but it's just as foolish to completely write him off. Bottom line -- if he can be productive, he makes the Bills' defense that much stronger. We should all be rooting for that.

 

Yes!

[QCity]

The pessimists will say the steriods had a lingering effect on his body. I wasn't aware steriods stayed in your system for months and months.

All steroids have a lingering effect - it's called muscle mass lol. Some steroid cycles have periods where advanced users don't take anything for 5-6 months. You don't lose your strength the day after you stop taking them. If you quit taking them forever, eventually your muscle mass will recede to "normal" levels - but for a gym-rat type like Merriman, that could take a long time.

[THE GASH STATION]

you would be correct.

 

He sat out 4 games in 2006 for the "failed test", went on to record 17 sacks that season still. In 2007 he had 12.5 sacks.

 

The pessimists will say the steriods had a lingering effect on his body. I wasn't aware steriods stayed in your system for months and months.

 

It depends on the substance and its ester.

In general, there is no comparison to the strength and recovery of a person that is using and is natural.

HGH on the other hand is not detectable in blood tests, at least not yet.

[deep2evans]

cautiously optimistic

[xsoldier54]

Threads like this amuse me. Nobody around here has any idea what Merriman is or isn't able to do, and we won't know for another couple of months. Only a fool would EXPECT "lights out" to return, but it's just as foolish to completely write him off. Bottom line -- if he can be productive, he makes the Bills' defense that much stronger. We should all be rooting for that.

Couldn't agree more. He is our player, so let's hope he can be healthy and productive. I can't see any reason to do anything else.

[Bufcomments]

I have a wait and see approach about Merriman. They are not going to play him 60 snaps on D. They will rotate him in.

 

If he lasts the season I will be shocked to be honest. But if he is able to go lets see whats he's got left. The guy is still young and if they get him back to full health I think the Bills medical staff should all the credit.

[BuffaninATL]

Threads like this amuse me. Nobody around here has any idea what Merriman is or isn't able to do, and we won't know for another couple of months. Only a fool would EXPECT "lights out" to return, but it's just as foolish to completely write him off. Bottom line -- if he can be productive, he makes the Bills' defense that much stronger. We should all be rooting for that.

 

+1

 

this is the correct assessment...

[Hplarrm]

The modern NFL is all a bout predictability and match-ups. My sense is that Merriman shows any potential of returning to his outstaning play of the past, that the Bills pursue an approach of not naming any specific position or role for Merrimen, but instead profit from the uncertainty for an O created by the lack of certainty about where he is going to line up an how he is going to play (2 hands on the ground in the traditional DE rush or upright like an LB.

 

This lack of predictability will force all opposing OCs and opponents to let the Bills D dictate the play call and force opposing OBs to be Tom Brady like in reading the keys on each play and making and implementing decisions on each play with his receivers as though they are on the same page.

 

It would provide an advantage to the Bills operation if they have Merrimen play the same way every time. Yet, my guess is that if he shows any clear hint of being the performer he used to be that the Bills will profit more from using him differengtly all the time and forcing opponents to account for him based on what he is doing rather than have him do the same thing every time (and thus allow the O to dictate the play completely).

[Never NEVER Give-up]

Don't forget, last year in his brief pre-season appearance - Merriman was dominant!

 

He is in the last year of his deal with the Bills.

 

The Bills have done a good-to-great job of putting together a good-looking defense without him that is only better with him.

 

Healing & Time will tell, but if he's feeling good, he could be great again. (This is my hope!!) Imagine a line of Mario - Dareus - Kyle - Anderson and Merriman as LB coming as a 5th rusher!!! With the NFL going pass-happy, there'll be more than enough snaps for Kelsay, Merriman, Anderson and Mario. They'll be able to give each other breaks and allow them to stay fresh throughout the game. It will be great when we get to play with leads, watching these guys pin their ears back and rush the passer, allowing the DB's to get more turnovers and ultimately more wins!!

 

Next, Buddy will need to decide if they want to extend him - or Merriman needs to decide if he wants to stay of go the FA route. Perhaps there's even a chance to trade him before he officially becomes a FA. (?)

 

If he doesn't heal and cannot play to the team's satisfaction, he will be gone after this year.

[Hplarrm]

Don't forget, last year in his brief pre-season appearance - Merriman was dominant!

 

He is in the last year of his deal with the Bills.

 

The Bills have done a good-to-great job of putting together a good-looking defense without him that is only better with him.

 

Healing & Time will tell, but if he's feeling good, he could be great again. (This is my hope!!) Imagine a line of Mario - Dareus - Kyle - Anderson and Merriman as LB coming as a 5th rusher!!! With the NFL going pass-happy, there'll be more than enough snaps for Kelsay, Merriman, Anderson and Mario. They'll be able to give each other breaks and allow them to stay fresh throughout the game. It will be great when we get to play with leads, watching these guys pin their ears back and rush the passer, allowing the DB's to get more turnovers and ultimately more wins!!

 

Next, Buddy will need to decide if they want to extend him - or Merriman needs to decide if he wants to stay of go the FA route. Perhaps there's even a chance to trade him before he officially becomes a FA. (?)

 

If he doesn't heal and cannot play to the team's satisfaction, he will be gone after this year.

The neat thing for the Bills here is that last year we needed Merrimen to not only demonstrate in pre-season he could play in spurts, but also that he could last.

 

What our accumulation of talent on the DL does is that as long as Merrimen even presents a threat in pre-season that the old Merrimen is back then Wannstedt and the boys only have to use his judiciously to force opposing OCs to account for 3 players deserving a double team (at least) in base cases (I have seen a player deemed Pro Bowl worthy, Williams defest triple-teams, and Mario was generally regarded as the best D player in FA).

 

Dareus is a highly regarded player meritng a high draft pick and did not disappont on a bad team last year and arguably needs a dt (at least someone to chip block him in addition to single blocking from a good OL player).

 

Anderson is not a threat that needs a full game dt, but he has produced as a pass rusher at a huge level in obvious passing plays and merits a t on 2nd and long and third and passing distance (3 yds and above.

 

The Bills standard D DL pretty nuch forces an O into max protect mode on passing downs (the TE stays in to help the RT and the other 4 OL players block 3 rushers who really demand the attention of 6 blockers). The numbers simply do not work for the O but it is crowded enough inside for the 4 OL players to play the role of 6 blockers and the max protect simply calls for an RB to pick up any rusher that gets throught the frontline.

 

The addition of the Merriman rush threat however, is simply bad news for the O. Not only is the bliz pick-up RB confronted with the choice of deciding whether to pick-up the unblocked Merriman coming from the outside or which Bills DL player bests his dt, but the opposing QB is trying to throw a pass with his TE and his RB not even in the pattern.

 

I love the threat offered by the Bills DL with four legit rushers who virtually force a max protect on passing down and distance. The result of this with even a threat of the old Merrimen bascically means Merrimen will not get pounded a lot by traffic as he rushes the QB.

[THE GASH STATION]

Merriman is at best a question mark.

Great upside if he recovers, but few with an achilles type injury ever regain their prior form.

I know he can be cut and save the cap room, but I really thought that the Bills should have cut him

and signed Wimbley. I am not 100% sure on the #'s but the contract Wimbley got from the Titans seemed

somewhat similiar albeit longer than Merriman's deal. Wimbley was/is at least 100% healthy and going to be better than a mended Merriman.