Cut Brad Smith

[Malazan]

I guess the "to valuable" part is something I just don't see. He sucks as a kickoff returner wait let me rephrase that he Really sucks

 

The wildcat a silly overpriced fad gimmick.

 

3rd and 1: Wildcat had a 60% success rate. Smith was only stopped one time.

3rd and 2: Wildcat was 100% successful.

 

You are welcome to keep denying the numbers all you want. It doesn't change them. I'd like to meet the NFL coach who if you told him, you had a 3rd down back that was just under %100 on 3rd and 2 or less, that he'd think 4 million a year is a dealbreaker.

 

 

It was a bad decision to overpay this guy. Show me his value at his salary level. it's not there. That's why the Jets let him walk.

 

Why is this a concern? He's producing on 3rd down when he is called on. If you cut every player that didn't live up to their contract, there would be very few players. Mario Williams is unlikely to ever live up to his contract, should we cut him?

 

It's not my $$$$ but it could be added to the Merriman savings to land a receiver or someone not pulled out of the dumpster.

 

Who's this receiver that was unavailable to the Bills due to money?

Edited August 24, 2012 by jeremy2020

[Captain Hindsight]

Bills fans are cheap

[WhickedWilliams]

This is the first year Channix has the chance to implement smith into the offense 100%, cast judgments after this season. Be reasonable, and just hate on thiggy-pen-boy.

[John Belucheese]

no one has addressed whether keeping Brad Smith is more important than Potter's leg or VY's bombs down the field. If we can keep the opposition pinned at the twenty we can take risks w our blitz and line stunts. I thought our major concern has been Defense. Do we want a kick off specialist that keeps Brady and company on thier own 20 to start their series? The wild cat has been successful but what about an offense that doesnt need it or simply aintain it w/ Young? its about the trade off not necessarily the effectivness of the wild cat on 3rd and short.

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

He actually has quite a gift for getting yards. He also has a fun-to-watch ability to be deceptively fast. I just looked at a highlight reel--he's elusive. Maybe he just hasn't been used effectively for the Bills.

 

Seems to me he's simply a Swiss Army knife--WR, HB, KR--and not a backup QB. I'm inclined to wait and see what he delivers next season.

 

Chan on Brad: http://www.nfl.com/v...-and-Brad-Smith

 

Jets highlight reel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKUkffXl6Sg (several against the Bills).

 

These Brad Smith highlights are awesome.

 

He looked nothing like that last year.

 

In that video, he was hitting the hole fast, breaking tackles, outrunning defenders, etc. He even zipped in a nice TD pass (against the Bills).

 

If he does that for us, that's great.

 

If he played like he did last year, he needs to go. We don't need someone who can run for 2 yards per carry. We need the guy in the video.

[Malazan]

The wild cat has been successful but what about an offense that doesnt need it or simply aintain it w/ Young? its about the trade off not necessarily the effectivness of the wild cat on 3rd and short.

 

That offense does not exist outside of imagination. I'd be interested in more theories on it though and how those theories compare and contract to the stats from last year.

 

If he played like he did last year, he needs to go. We don't need someone who can run for 2 yards per carry. We need the guy in the video.

 

Every NFL coach disagrees with you. Every team needs the guy who can pickup 3rd and 2. Teams often have a 3rd down specialist.

 

I notice that instead of bringing up stats and numbers, you're relying on the 'feeling' argument and also ignoring the question of what does getting rid of him, 'gain'. How does *not* having Brad Smith in the 3rd QB slot help. You're proposing to remove him for Tyler Thigpen (please note, his roster spot is Thigpen's spot. The Kicker, Potter will not take the '3rd QB spot'. If it's not Brad Smith, it's Tyler Thigpen).

[hondo in seattle]

no one has addressed whether keeping Brad Smith is more important than Potter's leg or VY's bombs down the field. If we can keep the opposition pinned at the twenty we can take risks w our blitz and line stunts. I thought our major concern has been Defense. Do we want a kick off specialist that keeps Brady and company on thier own 20 to start their series? The wild cat has been successful but what about an offense that doesnt need it or simply aintain it w/ Young? its about the trade off not necessarily the effectivness of the wild cat on 3rd and short.

 

Yeah, Potter's leg is an interesting issue. Do you keep one less OL? One less LB? What positional depth do you sacrifice for long kickoffs?

 

Gailey probably won't give up the #3 QB position which is unique. If the NFL is going to allow you suit up an extra player on game day as long as that player is your emergency (#3) QB, then you ought to take advantage of that. We cannot call Potter or some RB the #3 QB. The NFL wouldn't allow it. The #3 QB has to be an actual QB.

 

That's why Nix quickly went after Brad Smith and paid him a pretty penny. We get a guy we can legitimately label our #3 QB but will get on the field in other ways.

 

I'm really impressed that the Bills immediately understood the possibilities of the new rule and took advantage of them.

[nodnarb]

It's that all the talk about Brad Smith as the #3 QB was a half-truth at best. Smith has never impressed me. What has he done to earn such a certain spot on the roster? He's a below average receiver, an average Wild Cat QB, above average at best, and a below average QB. If Fitz were to be injured right now, who would start?

 

Thigpen. I know he's nothing to get excited about but he knows the offense and can get you through a few games. Brad Smith at QB? No, not going to help you. Jackson is going to need at least four weeks to truly get up to speed enough to actually start a game.

 

Besides, how many reps have we seen Smith take at WR and QB? He didn't even get many reps at camp despite a lot of talk about it. I'm not sure what his value is on the roster and I suspect that he will be the "surprise cut" this year. It'll be Fitz, Jackson, Thigpen.

 

I had hoped we'd draft a QB in this last draft and I know the Bills intended to but their guy(s) were taken before they had a chance, according to Nix after the draft, but I hope they learned a lesson there. If you like a guy at QB, you have to be willing to pay up to make sure you get him. The Bills need a good young strong-armed prospect to serve as a backup...

Edited August 31, 2012 by nodnarb

[NewEra]

I expect him to make the team....then get cut in a couple weeks when tjack is familiar with the playbook. Cutting thigpen at this point would be a mistake IMO (even though I believe he stinks).

[Kelly the Dog]

Gailey said after the game tonight that the QB situation has not changed at all concerning Brad Smith, who will be the #3, even after the groin injury which he said was not serious although they are going to look at him again tomorrow morning. How many times can Gailey and Nix say the exact same thing before people believe them.

[Buffalo Barbarian]

It's that all the talk about Brad Smith as the #3 QB was a half-truth at best. Smith has never impressed me. What has he done to earn such a certain spot on the roster? He's a below average receiver, an average Wild Cat QB, above average at best, and a below average QB. If Fitz were to be injured right now, who would start?

 

Thigpen. I know he's nothing to get excited about but he knows the offense and can get you through a few games. Brad Smith at QB? No, not going to help you. Jackson is going to need at least four weeks to truly get up to speed enough to actually start a game.

 

Besides, how many reps have we seen Smith take at WR and QB? He didn't even get many reps at camp despite a lot of talk about it. I'm not sure what his value is on the roster and I suspect that he will be the "surprise cut" this year. It'll be Fitz, Jackson, Thigpen.

 

I had hoped we'd draft a QB in this last draft and I know the Bills intended to but their guy(s) were taken before they had a chance, according to Nix after the draft, but I hope they learned a lesson there. If you like a guy at QB, you have to be willing to pay up to make sure you get him. The Bills need a good young strong-armed prospect to serve as a backup...

 

I think you should have titled it surprise cuts. As it stands it looks like surprise to make the roster.

 

Anyway Smith stinks and they should trade him if possible if not cut him and TJ run the wild cat.

 

Another surprise cut could be kirk Morrison, not that he is bad but they may want to keep the younger guys who are less expensive

[DukeyBomb]

I am truly unsure if he makes the team or not. But I hope he doesn't. He didn't help his chances this offseason that's for sure. Has the guy ever made much of an impact besides a short yardage RB specialist in the wild-cat

 

?

[Formerly Allan in MD]

I think you should have titled it surprise cuts. As it stands it looks like surprise to make the roster.

 

Anyway Smith stinks and they should trade him if possible if not cut him and TJ run the wild cat.

 

Another surprise cut could be kirk Morrison, not that he is bad but they may want to keep the younger guys who are less expensive

Agree about Morrison. What has he really done since he's been here?

[MARCELL DAREUS POWER]

having smith allows us to keep " potential prospects" he is the emergency 3rd qb, special teams, wildcat, rb, wr, etc...

 

you guys act like everyone should be a star, thats not the point with smith, its being smart about ur roster... ugh

[truth on hold]

Pressure to carry 4 QBs (given how decent Thigpen looked, and how green Jackson is, + Chan's commitment to keep Smith), and desire to keep more WRs on the 53 gets Lindell waived in favor of Potter. Keeping 2 kickers is stupid. Take the guy who isn't limited, especially with the shorter kickoff rules. Potter's a perfect 8 for 8 on no returns.

Edited August 31, 2012 by Joe_the_6_pack

[Buffalo Barbarian]

Pressure to carry 4 QBs (given how decent Thigpen looked, and how green Jackson is, + Chan's commitment to keep Smith), and desire to keep more WRs on the 53 gets Lindell waived in favor of Potter. Keeping 2 kickers is stupid. Take the guy who isn't limited, especially with the shorter kickoff rules. Potter's a perfect 8 for 8 on no returns.

 

Potter's accuracy on field goals is way under Lindell's so they both stay.

[Meathead]

zero chance the cut lindell. in fact its less that zero. its negative zero divided by zero

 

for a team trying to break a bakers dozen playoff jinx you dont put game on the line kicks in the hands of a rookie

[MARCELL DAREUS POWER]

suprise player not cut- thigpen

suprise player cut- gonna say dwan edwards. dont think that will happen, but carrington looked better vs detroit, and has more upside, and power/size...

 

carrington as the 4th dt is just as good and allows us to keep the upside of gilbert as ur 9th swing dlineman...

 

dwan was playing late in the 4th, and spencer was not so.... thats my suspicion

[truth on hold]

zero chance the cut lindell. in fact its less that zero. its negative zero divided by zero

for a team trying to break a bakers dozen playoff jinx you dont put game on the line kicks in the hands of a rookie

The guys a kick off liability and its not he's always Mr clutch either. Has had his share of misses. If you have to tie up another roster spot to offset his weakness I'd sure as heck be looking elsewhere.

[vincec]

Personally, I would cut B Smith. He is a third string QB who can't throw the ball, a return man who is slow (probably the third or fourth best returner on the team), a WR with no speed and mediocre route running and the team's second best wildcat RB (after F Jackson). He makes a ton of money for this. The only reason that he is "versatile" is because Gailey uses him in all these roles, not because he is good at them.

 

I would also think hard about keeping Potter. On average, the Bills opponents started their drives on the 21 yard line last season. Is one yard really worth a roster spot? I would also cut McGee. The guy has just broken down physically.

 

I know all these guys are supposed to make the team, but can the Bills really keep 4 QBs, 2 kickers and a DB who will only play half the season (at best)? What will happen to the young, developing players at the other positions?

Edited August 31, 2012 by vincec

[HOUSE]

Morman is 36 and he could be a surprise cut

[truth on hold]

Morman is 36 and he could be a surprise cut

He was brilliant. Several perfect kicks pinning opponents deep. No reason to let him go.

[Beerball]

Gailey said after the game tonight that the QB situation has not changed at all concerning Brad Smith, who will be the #3, even after the groin injury which he said was not serious although they are going to look at him again tomorrow morning. How many times can Gailey and Nix say the exact same thing before people believe them.

Couple years ago Gailey named Trent Edwards the starter. Things change.

 

Smith isn't worth keeping IMO. If you think differently tell me why. I really don't care what Nix & Gailey have to say publically.

[Chandemonium]

 

The guys a kick off liability and its not he's always Mr clutch either. Has had his share of misses. If you have to tie up another roster spot to offset his weakness I'd sure as heck be looking elsewhere.

Since no kicker in the history of the league is 100% I won't hold having his share of misses against Lindell. Its much better than the alternative we saw with raynor, who missed enough kicks for himself and three other kickers. I dont see how he is a kickoff liability either, I seem to recall him getting plenty of touchbacks last preseason until the bills switched their kickoff strategy in favor of high, short kicks that more often than not pinned opponents deeper than a touchback would. If anything, the reason to keep potter would be to protect Lindell from getting injured making tackles covering kicks like he did last year, not to take his job. If they decide they only have room for one kicker, potter is a goner.

[FreakPop]

Couple years ago Gailey named Trent Edwards the starter. Things change.

 

Smith isn't worth keeping IMO. If you think differently tell me why. I really don't care what Nix & Gailey have to say publically.

 

Agreed. I don't think he brings enough to the team for what he makes to warrant keeping.

[nucci]

Pressure to carry 4 QBs (given how decent Thigpen looked, and how green Jackson is, + Chan's commitment to keep Smith), and desire to keep more WRs on the 53 gets Lindell waived in favor of Potter. Keeping 2 kickers is stupid. Take the guy who isn't limited, especially with the shorter kickoff rules. Potter's a perfect 8 for 8 on no returns.

Don't kickers also kick FGs and XPs? Haven't seen Potter do this yet so we don't know how good he is.

[truth on hold]

Since no kicker in the history of the league is 100% I won't hold having his share of misses against Lindell. Its much better than the alternative we saw with raynor, who missed enough kicks for himself and three other kickers. I dont see how he is a kickoff liability either, I seem to recall him getting plenty of touchbacks last preseason until the bills switched their kickoff strategy in favor of high, short kicks that more often than not pinned opponents deeper than a touchback would. If anything, the reason to keep potter would be to protect Lindell from getting injured making tackles covering kicks like he did last year, not to take his job. If they decide they only have room for one kicker, potter is a goner.

I never said perfection was the standard. If it were obviously no one would meet it. What Im saying is Lindell hasn't been ice in his veins either. Better than average maybe, but not exceptional. FTR I don't see him getting cut now, but the thread is "if you had to pick 1 surprise", and I just don't think names like Edwards are all that surprising. But one thing almost for certain with Lindell at 35 (36 in January), the clock must certainly be ticking.

Edited August 31, 2012 by Joe_the_6_pack

[MARCELL DAREUS POWER]

Personally, I would cut B Smith. He is a third string QB who can't throw the ball, a return man who is slow (probably the third or fourth best returner on the team), a WR with no speed and mediocre route running and the team's second best wildcat RB (after F Jackson). He makes a ton of money for this. The only reason that he is "versatile" is because Gailey uses him in all these roles, not because he is good at them.

 

I would also think hard about keeping Potter. On average, the Bills opponents started their drives on the 21 yard line last season. Is one yard really worth a roster spot? I would also cut McGee. The guy has just broken down physically.

 

I know all these guys are supposed to make the team, but can the Bills really keep 4 QBs, 2 kickers and a DB who will only play half the season (at best)?

What will happen to the young, developing players at the other positions?

 

but doesnt smith playing 5 roles allow you to keep a couple extra defenders? isnt that the reason for his spot? smith being active as ur 3rd qb/6th wr allows you to keep an extra db or dlineman on gameday...

[BillsVet]

It says plenty that some names mentioned here are UFA signings. Thigpen, Brad Smith, Dwan Edwards, Kirk Morrison. No fan can expect perfection, and I don't think D. Edwards or Smith are going anywhere, but Nix's record his first two years in free agency isn't great. That said, I'm pretty confident the 2012 signings, M. Williams and Anderson will be better although VY was a complete bust.

 

 

 

[SageAgainstTheMachine]

but doesnt smith playing 5 roles allow you to keep a couple extra defenders? isnt that the reason for his spot? smith being active as ur 3rd qb/6th wr allows you to keep an extra db or dlineman on gameday...

 

Yes, except...I just don't know if his quality of play at ANY of those positions merits a roster spot.

[BuffaloFan68]

I haven't seen enough from Brad Smith to keep him around another year & with McGee being hurt yet again, could be another cut. Both of them would most likely get picked up by other teams.

[jwhit34]

I'm not enamored with Thigpen, but I think he should be kept for #3 and the Bills should let Brad Smith go. The potential roles that he fills are covered more competently by others:

 

1. #3 QB - Somewhat incredibly, Thigpen is better (by a lot, if you were at camp the last 2 years you'd know that)

2. Kickoff returns: Rogers, McKelvin, Graham, Spiller and Easley are better

3. #6 WR - If a 6th WR is kept, I'd rather have Martin, Easley or Roosevelt (presuming Hagan is #5)

4. Special teams coverage: Ruvell Martin is better amongst WRs

5. Wildcat QB - A very limited package, but Tavaris or the RBs are able to handle it, and Smith is not a threat to throw (see #1)

 

So he's a unique player without a unique role (since others can do what he does), and it's not like he enables them to cut 3 guys because he can do all those things. At most, they have to add a 6th WR.

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[MARCELL DAREUS POWER]

Yes, except...I just don't know if his quality of play at ANY of those positions merits a roster spot.

 

how so? lets say they keep smith as the 3rd qb and 6th wr, and then get to keep carrington instead of keeping martin... or tank instead of martin...

 

ur getting the extra player

[Charles Romes]

Granted brad smith LOOKS slow. That's why it looks wierd when he beats nfl defenses to the edge every single time on third and medium.

[CodeMonkey]

Smith is like Gaileys utility knife. WR, slot receiver, QB (emergency and wildcat) and can return kicks and punts. Having all of that with one roster spot must be tempting for a HC. But the harsh reality is Tarvaris Jackson is going to need some time before he can step in effectively in the event that Fitz can't play. Gailey may be forced to keep Thigpen around for at least the first half of the season. So it may be difficult for Gailey to figure out a way to keep 3 QBs and his utility knife on the roster.

[SageAgainstTheMachine]

how so? lets say they keep smith as the 3rd qb and 6th wr, and then get to keep carrington instead of keeping martin... or tank instead of martin...

 

ur getting the extra player

 

Noted, but the spirit of the "gadget guy" (Wes Welker started this way) is that they open up roster spots and do a serviceable job at a number of positions. My contention is that B. Smith has been subpar at each position he can supposedly play at an NFL level.

 

Quarterback? Pick-six immediately.

 

Returner? Pretty big sample size this preseason and I think I saw him advance it past the 20 only once. And a fumble.

 

Receiver? Had one big shot yesterday and he didn't even lay out for the ball. Among the fringe receivers, Aiken, Easley, Roosevelt and Hagan all looked better than him.

[Wayne Cubed]

but doesnt smith playing 5 roles allow you to keep a couple extra defenders? isnt that the reason for his spot? smith being active as ur 3rd qb/6th wr allows you to keep an extra db or dlineman on gameday...

 

This.

 

It's been explained at great lengths how keeping Smith allows us to keep more people. Unless fans would rather keep a 3rd QB who can ONLY play QB or run with just 2 QBs and give that extra spot to still a person who can only play 1 position on special teams. He may be a mediocre QB/WR/KR/Whatever... but his position on the team would only be replaced by a person who is sigularly mediocre, if that makes sense. Its not like him being on the team keeps the Bills from keeping a pro bowler or a star player.

Edited August 31, 2012 by Wayne Cubed

[John Belucheese]

Brad was terribly soft on returns last ni. I hate when its apparent that a millionaire is concerned for his safety on KO returns. also his fumble was analagous to an MMA tap out!!!

[Captain Hindsight]

Smith is like Gaileys utility knife. WR, slot receiver, QB (emergency and wildcat) and can return kicks and punts. Having all of that with one roster spot must be tempting for a HC. But the harsh reality is Tarvaris Jackson is going to need some time before he can step in effectively in the event that Fitz can't play. Gailey may be forced to keep Thigpen around for at least the first half of the season. So it may be difficult for Gailey to figure out a way to keep 3 QBs and his utility knife on the roster.

Say goodbye to one trick pony Ruvell Marting then. Brad Smith can be a gunner too

[Captain Hindsight]

This.

 

It's been explained at great lengths how keeping Smith allows us to keep more people. Unless fans would rather keep a 3rd QB who can ONLY play QB or run with just 2 QBs and give that extra spot to still a person who can only play 1 position on special teams. He may be a mediocre QB/WR/KR/Whatever... but his position on the team would only be replaced by a person who is sigularly mediocre, if that makes sense. Its not like him being on the team keeps the Bills from keeping a pro bowler or a star player.

Exactly. Who are we keeping in place of smith? Thigpen? Jarron Gilbert? I dont undertsand the hate for this guy