Nix Is Building An Old School Team In A New Era

[Bill from NYC]

Before the rule changes, it was VERY important to run the football, and stop the other team from doing so. This was, in most cases, the key to championships. Yes I know, the 49ers were an exception to some degree. Lately, passing stats are through the roof.

Accepting the above as a given, let's take a look at the direction Nix has chosen.

 

Nix dedicated HUGE resources to the DL. He signed 2 expensive free agents, extended KW's contract (Nix did this, right?), and used a #3 draft selection on a player who is hell to run against. And, KW is no slouch against the run in his own right.

 

On offense, we are fielding at LT and LG (assuming Glenn starts), 2 second round picks on the left side. Both of them could have easily gone in round 1. Additionaly, we have a first round center, and a right side composed of mauling types. Nix used the 9th pick of a draft for Spiller (already having a very good back in FJ), and we don't have any spectacular receivers, nor a field stretching TE. And our QB, while efficient, is not considered "elite."

 

If this sounds like criticism, it isn't. I like almost all of these moves, as well as the philosophy. The Bills play in the elements (as do 2 of our divisional opponents), and there will be times when passing won't be much of an option. Gailey, while not young, is more "modern" than Nix imo. He runs a very complex, new era offense. The old school/new school thing just might work.

 

Bottom line? If the defense stays healthy, I think we might be a bit more conservative on offense this year. More running, and less risky passes that wound up being intercepted. I do trust Gailey to come up with some creative passing strategies, but hope that we will be in a poition to pound it out on the ground a bit more.

If the Bills don't have all the pieces in place this year, I would be more than OK to watch them pound the s*&t out of their opponents, utilize home field advantage, and make the playoffs.

 

GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[IslandBillsFan]

Seems like a pretty good assessment.

 

On another note, I am trying to get my # of posts up... however, reading and posting in the off season seems like sometimes we are just repeating ourselves....basically I CAN'T WAIT FOR OPENING DAY!

[stinky finger]

Seems like a pretty good assessment.

 

On another note, I am trying to get my # of posts up... however, reading and posting in the off season seems like sometimes we are just repeating ourselves....basically I CAN'T WAIT FOR OPENING DAY!

Pssst.....you're on the wrong site if you're trying to get your post up.

[UConn James]

A team always has to be the cutting edge of introducing or bringing back some scheme or other.

 

After the blow-up of passing the past couple-few years, it might be time for this kind of combination to screw with the state of the league and shake everyone's peaches. With the combo of a DL that, on paper, looks like it'll be killer against either the run or the pass, and an offense that can move the ball and grind out yards with two backs that provide a pretty good combination of power and speed against defenses that have been building in response to the passing game... (whew, I need a breath here)... we might be on the cutting edge of the backlash. Hope we can take advantage of it. These kinds of things are always small windows of opportunity before everyone catches up with scheme and/or personnel.

[boyst]

Bill...I think you missed one thing. We definately need to draft a few CB's early next year, can't have enough depth there.

 

Also, I really like our DL, we will be able to control games stopping their running game while doing well with ours.

[BillsRUs]

Seems like a pretty good assessment.

 

On another note, I am trying to get my # of posts up... however, reading and posting in the off season seems like sometimes we are just repeating ourselves....basically I CAN'T WAIT FOR OPENING DAY!

 

Posting 19-0 baby!! everytime should do the trick!

[artmalibu]

Building a football team by bringing in guys that can block and tackle is timeless....

[brianhawkeye2012]

Before the rule changes, it was VERY important to run the football, and stop the other team from doing so. This was, in most cases, the key to championships. Yes I know, the 49ers were an exception to some degree. Lately, passing stats are through the roof.

Accepting the above as a given, let's take a look at the direction Nix has chosen.

 

Nix dedicated HUGE resources to the DL. He signed 2 expensive free agents, extended KW's contract (Nix did this, right?), and used a #3 draft selection on a player who is hell to run against. And, KW is no slouch against the run in his own right.

 

On offense, we are fielding at LT and LG (assuming Glenn starts), 2 second round picks on the left side. Both of them could have easily gone in round 1. Additionaly, we have a first round center, and a right side composed of mauling types. Nix used the 9th pick of a draft for Spiller (already having a very good back in FJ), and we don't have any spectacular receivers, nor a field stretching TE. And our QB, while efficient, is not considered "elite."

 

If this sounds like criticism, it isn't. I like almost all of these moves, as well as the philosophy. The Bills play in the elements (as do 2 of our divisional opponents), and there will be times when passing won't be much of an option. Gailey, while not young, is more "modern" than Nix imo. He runs a very complex, new era offense. The old school/new school thing just might work.

 

Bottom line? If the defense stays healthy, I think we might be a bit more conservative on offense this year. More running, and less risky passes that wound up being intercepted. I do trust Gailey to come up with some creative passing strategies, but hope that we will be in a poition to pound it out on the ground a bit more.

If the Bills don't have all the pieces in place this year, I would be more than OK to watch them pound the s*&t out of their opponents, utilize home field advantage, and make the playoffs.

 

GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

Good stuff! freddy cj 1-2 pound it!!!!!

[stony]

Before the rule changes, it was VERY important to run the football, and stop the other team from doing so. This was, in most cases, the key to championships. Yes I know, the 49ers were an exception to some degree. Lately, passing stats are through the roof.

Accepting the above as a given, let's take a look at the direction Nix has chosen.

 

Nix dedicated HUGE resources to the DL. He signed 2 expensive free agents, extended KW's contract (Nix did this, right?), and used a #3 draft selection on a player who is hell to run against. And, KW is no slouch against the run in his own right.

 

On offense, we are fielding at LT and LG (assuming Glenn starts), 2 second round picks on the left side. Both of them could have easily gone in round 1. Additionaly, we have a first round center, and a right side composed of mauling types. Nix used the 9th pick of a draft for Spiller (already having a very good back in FJ), and we don't have any spectacular receivers, nor a field stretching TE. And our QB, while efficient, is not considered "elite."

 

If this sounds like criticism, it isn't. I like almost all of these moves, as well as the philosophy. The Bills play in the elements (as do 2 of our divisional opponents), and there will be times when passing won't be much of an option. Gailey, while not young, is more "modern" than Nix imo. He runs a very complex, new era offense. The old school/new school thing just might work.

 

Bottom line? If the defense stays healthy, I think we might be a bit more conservative on offense this year. More running, and less risky passes that wound up being intercepted. I do trust Gailey to come up with some creative passing strategies, but hope that we will be in a poition to pound it out on the ground a bit more.

If the Bills don't have all the pieces in place this year, I would be more than OK to watch them pound the s*&t out of their opponents, utilize home field advantage, and make the playoffs.

 

GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Yes, but the strength of the DL one might argue isn't even their alleged (because they haven't done this yet) run stopping ability. I'd say it's it ability to get after the QB which is very "New School" considering the era we are currently in. Mario was brought in to get after Brady and Co. K. Williams is a penetrator when best deployed. Dareus does everything. Merriman is a one trick pony at this point.

 

On your second point, I agree and fully endorse this change. I love the spread, but I think the Bills are better when Fitz doesn't have to throw it 40 times a game.

Edited June 26, 2012 by stony

[billybrew1]

Pssst.....you're on the wrong site if you're trying to get your post up.

 

 

Well, we do have Levitre and wood....

[billybrew1]

Hey, i agree 110% because I would take it even further. I want a smash-mouth team to shut-up them low-down, dirty cheatin', no good patriots. I want to see belichek and Brady whine like they did at the ralph last season.

I wanna see Brady shut-down with a savage defense. I want a awesome running game with big nasty linemen steam rolling down the field. I want a team that no one wants to play because we are so big and tough. A hour of sheer hell.

 

Furthermore, I think the city of Buffalo is tough, especially in its heart. I think the team buddy has built is the perfect match for this city. Football is an emotional game, and this team loves its fans and the fans are gunna be there in droves screaming to help their team win, going to the airport, working together for charitess and finally winning that stupid superbowl.

 

Lastly, I am sick of reading posts that say," it's a passing league now, you can't win with fritz." And, "maybe the Bills might get a wildcard, but they can't win the division." or " maybe will be a superbowl contender if we have two more good drafts."

Yeah, I'm sick of that. This season will be the death of those posts.

 

The Bills are a superbowl contender right now and we are going to be thrilling to watch this year.

 

Again, nice post and Go Bills!

[NoSaint]

Pass rushing, and protecting the blind side of the qb. Not run and stop the run (though those are convenient by products of the strong lines

[mrags]

Did u really say that Levitre was a 2nd round pick? Pretty sure he was a 4th rounder. At least when I was sitting in Radio City Music Hall that day that's what I remembered. Or am I wrong?

[K-9]

The idea of run and stop the run isn't as dead as some would have us believe. With the dearth of QBs in the league, there aren't that many teams that have one capable of sustaining long drives consistently through the air. I can list on one hand those QBs that can. Unfortunately we play in a division that has one.

 

We can spread them out in multiple receiver sets and run the ball like hell. Just like in the K-Gun days. I don't want Fitz having to throw to win us games. I want him to throw because teams can't stop our running game and he can take advantage.

 

Keep building it big, Buddy.

 

GO BILLS!!!

[NoSaint]

Did u really say that Levitre was a 2nd round pick? Pretty sure he was a 4th rounder. At least when I was sitting in Radio City Music Hall that day that's what I remembered. Or am I wrong?

Pick 51

[boyst]

The idea of run and stop the run isn't as dead as some would have us believe. With the dearth of QBs in the league, there aren't that many teams that have one capable of sustaining long drives consistently through the air. I can list on one hand those QBs that can. Unfortunately we play in a division that has one.

 

We can spread them out in multiple receiver sets and run the ball like hell. Just like in the K-Gun days. I don't want Fitz having to throw to win us games. I want him to throw because teams can't stop our running game and he can take advantage.

 

Keep building it big, Buddy.

 

GO BILLS!!!

I would settle for letting him throw once a series to change it up

[mrags]

Pick 51

Ah. Traded 3rd and 4th rounder to move up and take Levitre. I knew we had multiple 1st, 4ths that draft. Couldn't remember the order.

[Meathead]

yeah idk about this old school stuff at least as it pertains to the team on the field. im with stony in that the new school formula isnt really run and stop the run at all any longer, its really pass and stop the pass now. hell, the last two sb winners couldnt stop the run to save their lives, nor could last seasons runner up, and the teams that lead the league in rushing usually are near the bottom in wins. that formula is passe. with the rules continually slanted toward favoring the qb and wrs its mostly all about qb pressure now, either creating it or preventing it

 

the one way maybe he and chan are going old school is creating the real team environment, a grounded feeling of family, everybody helping each other out, avoiding personality distractions, while simultaneously creating competition at nearly every position. that part of the formula certainly is a bit of a throwback

[Malazan]

..and the teams that lead the league in rushing usually are near the bottom in wins. that formula is passe. ..

 

Not quite.

 

The top four teams in rushing:

 

1 Houston Texans Wins 10

2 Pittsburgh Steelers Wins 12

3 Green Bay Packers Wins 15

4 San Francisco 49ers Wins 13

[DanInUticaTampa]

I thought the broncos were like 1 or 2 in rushing last year? Either way, this is the best way to build the team. Until we have a top ten qb on the roster, this is the way to go. Though I think sooner than later, they need to grab a serious qb prospect to develop that could be a top ten player.

[BiggieScooby]

Nice OP. I'm sold on the direction and have been on record as saying as much.

[shoretalk]

Before the rule changes, it was VERY important to run the football, and stop the other team from doing so. This was, in most cases, the key to championships. Yes I know, the 49ers were an exception to some degree. Lately, passing stats are through the roof.

Accepting the above as a given, let's take a look at the direction Nix has chosen.

 

Nix dedicated HUGE resources to the DL. He signed 2 expensive free agents, extended KW's contract (Nix did this, right?), and used a #3 draft selection on a player who is hell to run against. And, KW is no slouch against the run in his own right.

 

On offense, we are fielding at LT and LG (assuming Glenn starts), 2 second round picks on the left side. Both of them could have easily gone in round 1. Additionaly, we have a first round center, and a right side composed of mauling types. Nix used the 9th pick of a draft for Spiller (already having a very good back in FJ), and we don't have any spectacular receivers, nor a field stretching TE. And our QB, while efficient, is not considered "elite."

 

If this sounds like criticism, it isn't. I like almost all of these moves, as well as the philosophy. The Bills play in the elements (as do 2 of our divisional opponents), and there will be times when passing won't be much of an option. Gailey, while not young, is more "modern" than Nix imo. He runs a very complex, new era offense. The old school/new school thing just might work.

 

Bottom line? If the defense stays healthy, I think we might be a bit more conservative on offense this year. More running, and less risky passes that wound up being intercepted. I do trust Gailey to come up with some creative passing strategies, but hope that we will be in a poition to pound it out on the ground a bit more.

If the Bills don't have all the pieces in place this year, I would be more than OK to watch them pound the s*&t out of their opponents, utilize home field advantage, and make the playoffs.

 

GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

The thing that amazes me is how many on this board were looking for instant gratification when Nix took over. All the incredibly negative threads and comments.

 

We have a solid general manager who knows what it takes to compete in the NFL and from his open approach we have all heard how bad the team was when he took over (As Gomer Pyle would say 'SURRRRPRIZE SURRRRPRIZE!).

 

Obviously we need to see what this team can do on the field but look at them ... they are high motor players with superb character who are big and fast and hard hitting and skilled. Even the most blatent pessimist has to be honestly getting angry because their pessimism no longer has a place with the Buffalo Bills.

 

As a New Jersey based Buffalo Bills' season ticket holder, I can't wait for the season to begin!

[BuffaloFan68]

What ever happened to Wang?

[Bud Adams]

What ever happened to Wang?

Circumcision.

[machine gun kelly]

If I had to compare what I see Nix doing it looks a lot like the 49er's and Texans. I'll take it. They controlled most games, and could pass when they needed to do so. The 49er's were so close to winning and going to the SB with their plan, and the Texans if not for losing their QB could have possibly gone farther.

 

This tells me we are on the right path. POUND, POUND, and POUND again. As far as defense, I think your earlier posts are correct in yes we are set up to stop the run well, but also very much so a pressure the QB pass defense. It will be the best of both worlds.

 

On the NFL Radio, I like what PK said yesterday, that it wasn't the offense's fault last year, and even with injuries were scoring points. It was the defense giving up over 6000 yards. I love the praise we're getting from the national media, and doesn't make me nervous at all.

 

19-0 Baby!

[ThurmasThoman]

great thread. here's another gem. at the time, no one agreed with me, but seeing the responses in here, tell me it doesn't seem that far fetched.

 

http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/145299-guarantee-if-no-playoffs-in-2012-marty-ball-coming-in-2013/

[eball]

Good thoughts, Bill. I think people either don't know, forget, or tend to ignore that Gailey is a big fan of a running game that controls the clock and moves the ball. There has been a ton of criticism on this board that Chan called too many pass plays during the 2nd half swoon last season, citing the gaudy YPA out of Jackson (before he went down) and Spiller. I would counter that Gailey saw a couple of things that led to his playcalling decisions: (1) injuries throughout his OL that lessened the chances for success under a "run first" mentality; and (2) a smart, quick-thinking QB who could still try to implement a short passing game for 4-5 yard gains on early downs. The Bills also found themselves trailing by significant margins in many of those games; you can either "give up" by trying to run the clock, or you can continue to call plays in an effort to get back in the game. Gailey chose the latter, and I, for one, applaud that thinking. He didn't trust the defense to stop anyone.

 

As for the YPA argument, some have (I believe) accurately noted these stats are the result of a spread attack, and not a grinding, mauling running game.

 

This season, the pieces appear to be in place to do a little more of the mauling from an offensive standpoint, and the expected play of the defense should give them more of an opportunity to "shorten the game." I don't necessarily expect Fitz's attempts to drop significantly, but I do expect the INTs to be reduced by at least 25% as he is not forced to try and make plays out of "desperation."

 

I agree with Bill that Buffalo appears to be building a team suited to play outside, late into the year.

[bowery4]

Wait Bill, you like the Spiller pick now?

[UConn James]

The thing that amazes me is how many on this board were looking for instant gratification when Nix took over. All the incredibly negative threads and comments.

 

We have a solid general manager who knows what it takes to compete in the NFL and from his open approach we have all heard how bad the team was when he took over (As Gomer Pyle would say 'SURRRRPRIZE SURRRRPRIZE!).

 

Obviously we need to see what this team can do on the field but look at them ... they are high motor players with superb character who are big and fast and hard hitting and skilled. Even the most blatent pessimist has to be honestly getting angry because their pessimism no longer has a place with the Buffalo Bills.

 

As a New Jersey based Buffalo Bills' season ticket holder, I can't wait for the season to begin!

 

Link

[billsfan89]

I actually think defensively he is building a more modern D. A 4-3 heavy on D-line and corners. He switched to a 4-3 because putting Dareus and K.Williams in the middle helps stuff the run, along with our LB's being better suited for the system.

 

Then he added Anderson and Super Mario to help the edge rush which you need to get after the QB. So we have a stacked D-line on paper and then Nix goes out and adds Gilmore and Brooks to the secondary.

 

I think when you add two guys to the D-line who can get after the QB, use your 1st round pick plus a 4th rounder on corners, its pretty clear to me you are trying to stop the pass.

[John from Riverside]

With the addition of Cordy Glenn....it looks like the bills are back to using early picks on the offensive line.....which is a good thing.....

 

Glenn

Levitre

Wood

 

These guys were all high pick

 

Urbik was an early pick for the Steelers as well I think

[UConn James]

I actually think defensively he is building a more modern D. A 4-3 heavy on D-line and corners. He switched to a 4-3 because putting Dareus and K.Williams in the middle helps stuff the run, along with our LB's being better suited for the system.

 

Then he added Anderson and Super Mario to help the edge rush which you need to get after the QB. So we have a stacked D-line on paper and then Nix goes out and adds Gilmore and Brooks to the secondary.

 

I think when you add two guys to the D-line who can get after the QB, use your 1st round pick plus a 4th rounder on corners, its pretty clear to me you are trying to stop the pass.

 

Uhh... I wouldn't say that. LB is the most suspect area of this team, both starters and depth.

 

Guys have been shifted around from the positions that they have played --- Barnett is on the outside, which requires more lateral speed --- and have/had physical size for the 3-4, which is a bit bigger (15-20#) than it is for the 4-3 IIRC. OTOH, it's marginally less reliant on the LBs, so there's that.

 

All things being equal, tho, the switch back was definitely the right move, even before we signed Super Mario and MA. TheLBs were dropping like flies the whole experiment. Better to have some beef up front take the brunt.

[eball]

With the addition of Cordy Glenn....it looks like the bills are back to using early picks on the offensive line.....which is a good thing.....

 

Glenn

Levitre

Wood

 

These guys were all high pick

 

Urbik was an early pick for the Steelers as well I think

3rd rounder, I think.

[swnybillsfan]

it definately seems as though mr. nix is trying his damndest to build a team that controls the line of scrimage on both sides of the ball. i like that, i like it a lot.

[Bill from NYC]

Wait Bill, you like the Spiller pick now?

 

Let's not get crazy.

[Rockinon]

Yes, but the strength of the DL one might argue isn't even their alleged (because they haven't done this yet) run stopping ability. I'd say it's it ability to get after the QB which is very "New School" considering the era we are currently in. Mario was brought in to get after Brady and Co. K. Williams is a penetrator when best deployed. Dareus does everything. Merriman is a one trick pony at this point.

 

On your second point, I agree and fully endorse this change. I love the spread, but I think the Bills are better when Fitz doesn't have to throw it 40 times a game.

You mean like Bruce Smith or Reggie White new school?

[stony]

You mean like Bruce Smith or Reggie White new school?

 

Every era has great two-way DEs. I'm just saying Mario wasn't brought in to stop the run.

[The Poojer]

Was wondering why it took so long for this question...

:-)

 

 

Wait Bill, you like the Spiller pick now?

[Chandler#81]

1340742721[/url]' post='2493476']

3rd rounder, I think.

 

I'm not sure either but Buddy is on record saying the 3 OL they most coveted in that draft all play for us now -Wood, Levitre & Urbick.

Woo-hoo!!

[Bill from NYC]

Every era has great two-way DEs. I'm just saying Mario wasn't brought in to stop the run.

 

Of course not. But his presence will make life much easier for Dareus and KW. Of course, the opposite applies as well.