Bledsoe the Beneficiary

[Bob4Bills]

If NOTHING else, hopefully MM will split time between DB/JPL. Remember '64? Kemp/Lamonica played almost equally the entire year. Result: 12 wins, 2 loses, AFL CHAMPIONSHIP!

[ajzepp]

4 Years??????????   

 

Wow, has it been that long?  I could have sworn it is only 3.  Don't you hate it when you get your facts straight and you look stupid?     

197241[/snapback]

Just one small hairy mole on the ass of truth, brother

[Beerball]

The games we won were "victories in spite of Bledsoe".

 

Ya know how many games this year he had over 300 yards passing?

ZERO.

Games UNDER 200 yards?

ELEVEN.  11. The number one more than 10 (ten).

 

Games at 100 or less?

THREE.

Games with a QB rating under 70?

FIVE.

 

Games with a QB rating under 32?

TWO.

197176[/snapback]

Did you know that the NFL set a record for the total number of 300 yard passing performances this year? I wonder how many teams had zero (besides us of course)?

 

Did you know that the NFL set a record for QB rating this year? Unfortunately our guy did not contribute to the record in a positive way. He was sadly below average.

 

They (the experts) say that these records were set because the offenses now have the upper hand due to defensive holding etc. Wonder why we weren't able to take advantage of that.

[DC Tom]

You know, DC Tom......I could SWEAR that not but a few days ago I was agreeing with some post ofyours........didn't you used to be an antiBledsonian??

197210[/snapback]

 

There are a great many QBs I'd prefer to Bledsoe...unfortunately, none of them are on the team. I don't like Bledsoe...I don't like his vision, I don't like his technique, I don't like his touch on short passes. But Losman clearly wasn't ready (and likely won't be), and Matthews is - well, he's Shane Matthews. So why the hell would I B word and moan for him to be benched when the alternatives are visibly worse?

 

It's like having to choose between drinking scummy pond water or radiator fluid. Just because you pick the pond water, doesn't mean you don't realize it's not scummy and prefer it over everything else. It just means you realize it's not and don't prefer it over radiator fluid.

[ajzepp]

There are a great many QBs I'd prefer to Bledsoe...unfortunately, none of them are on the team.  I don't like Bledsoe...I don't like his vision, I don't like his technique, I don't like his touch on short passes.  But Losman clearly wasn't ready (and likely won't be), and Matthews is - well, he's Shane Matthews.  So why the hell would I B word and moan for him to be benched when the alternatives are visibly worse? 

 

It's like having to choose between drinking scummy pond water or radiator fluid.  Just because you pick the pond water, doesn't mean you don't realize it's not scummy and prefer it over everything else.  It just means you realize it's not and don't prefer it over radiator fluid.

197264[/snapback]

Well, we can definitely agree on Matthews.....let me ask you this: Did you see the preseson games where JP played? Specifically against Denver? Or have you only watched him in mop-up duty during the reg.season?

[ajzepp]

Give me a break.  Teams liked to blitz so much with Henry back there because the offensive line is still weak and Henry would stand there with a dopey "What do I do?" look on his face while the blitzers ran by him...which meant they were bringing five or six being blocked by five or even four (considering that any given lineman would often as not take himself out of the play).  And when any QB is faced with an unblocked defender and blockers who just stand around with their thumbs up their asses, he as likely as not freezes.

 

But you never noticed, I take it, that with McGahee in there, and with Shelton's improvement, Bledsoe became more mobile in the pocket (please note that "more mobile" is a comparative...as in "a three-toed sloth is more mobile than a brick").  That's because he suddenly found blockers he could rely on, and knew he could slide left or right if he had to.  It also forced teams to back off the blitz, as they suddenly found that the Bills had guys in the backfield that were capable of picking it up. 

 

Now don't get me wrong...I'm not defending Bledsoe.  I said all last year that I wouldn't criticize any QB behind a line as pathetic as it was...but within the first three games of this year I could see that the line had improved and Bledsoe still couldn't - and likely wouldn't - get the job done.  So yeah...Bledsoe sucks.  No kidding.  I don't think anyone will really argue that point too much.  What I am arguing is the gross oversimplification that the offense is all about the QB that people indulge in to constantly justify their opinion that Bledsoe sucks.

197245[/snapback]

 

 

Okay, well I was going to disagree with everything you said, but then I saw the magic words in your last paragraph ('bledsoe sucks"), so I'm going to agree with your post. Actually, I don't advocate that the problems we had on offense were only Drew's fault. What I think, and what I've said before, is that I think EVERY other position on offense improved this year (at least by mid-season) other than Drew. I just thought he was the weakest link.......and I also think that the QB has the greatest impact on the success or failure of the offense. Those two views are why I want a change at QB.

[DC Tom]

Well, we can definitely agree on Matthews.....let me ask you this: Did you see the preseson games where JP played? Specifically against Denver? Or have you only watched him in mop-up duty during the reg.season?

197271[/snapback]

 

I saw him in one pre-season game, which wasn't Denver. Mostly in mop-up.

 

But preseason isn't regular season; most importantly, it's not played at a regular season pace. In Losman, I saw a QB who looked rattled at simply handing off the ball, for the speed at which the play developed. Frankly (and I hope I'm wrong on this), he looks to me right now like a QB that will never learn to handle the pace of pro ball...very Akili Smith or Rob Johnson like. Maybe he'll learn - he has only had one season, after all, and most of that injured - but if you forced me to put $100 on it right now, I'd bet on him being a bust.

[DC Tom]

Actually, I don't advocate that the problems we had on offense were only Drew's fault. [...] and I also think that the QB has the greatest impact on the success or failure of the offense. Those two views are why I want a change at QB.

197289[/snapback]

 

All the problems weren't Drew's fault...but he has the greatest impact on the offense? Those two statements aren't entirely reconcilable, you know. The last, that the QB has the greatest impact, in particular...I don't know how that can be reasonably justified given the definite improvement in the offense that came simply from replacing Henry with McGahee.

 

What I think, and what I've said before, is that I think EVERY other position on offense improved this year (at least by mid-season) other than Drew. I just thought he was the weakest link

 

Personally, I'd say every position improved, but the QB position improved the least. As for him being the weakest link...maybe with Henry off the field he was (though I'd sooner vote for any of the TEs, I think). Henry's performance in everything other than running straight ahead was seriously lacking.

[ajzepp]

I saw him in one pre-season game, which wasn't Denver.  Mostly in mop-up.

 

But preseason isn't regular season; most importantly, it's not played at a regular season pace.  In Losman, I saw a QB who looked rattled at simply handing off the ball, for the speed at which the play developed.  Frankly (and I hope I'm wrong on this), he looks to me right now like a QB that will never learn to handle the pace of pro ball...very Akili Smith or Rob Johnson like.  Maybe he'll learn - he has only had one season, after all, and most of that injured - but if you forced me to put $100 on it right now, I'd bet on him being a bust.

197301[/snapback]

I wish you could see a tape of "Sounds of the Game" from the Denver preseason game.....it was one of the best things I've ever seen on the Bills. I just think it's odd that you and I completely differ on JPs ability to handle the speed of the game. To me, JP moves at or above the speed of the game, whereas Bledsoe moves at a pace beneath it. In the preseason game, there is a shot of Shannahan on the sideline where he comes off like he's in awe of JP. The guy went something like 7/7 and led two scoring drives (they were field goals, but scores nonetheless). But what strikes me about the kid is his speed and his decisiveness......he drops back, sets up, and delivers the football very quickly.

 

I think the problem with JP during the regular season was that mop-up time was simply no challenge for him. The kid has a massive chip on his shoulder and he's dying to be turned loose where he can just play his game. You really can't be passing all over the opponent in garbage time when the game is at hand. Most coaches won't allow that. I think if you watch this kid next preseason you'll see what I mean.......I think most people who saw that Denver tape would agree. But I also know what you're saying about preseason not being regular season. I guess we'll just have to wait until he plays in a real game to know for sure.

[ajzepp]

All the problems weren't Drew's fault...but he has the greatest impact on the offense?  Those two statements aren't entirely reconcilable, you know.  The last, that the QB has the greatest impact, in particular...I don't know how that can be reasonably justified given the definite improvement in the offense that came simply from replacing Henry with McGahee. 

Personally, I'd say every position improved, but the QB position improved the least.  As for him being the weakest link...maybe with Henry off the field he was (though I'd sooner vote for any of the TEs, I think).  Henry's performance in everything other than running straight ahead was seriously lacking.

197311[/snapback]

 

Well, essentially I consider Bledsoe not the only culprit, but I do think MOST of the problem on offense falls on his shoulders. If we somehow found a stud TE, maybe Drew could improve enough where he wouldn't be like the sore thumb......I dunno......I just keep going back to the fact that JP will start sooner or later.....so barring some unforseen miracle in Drew's ability, it's a matter of keeping my frustration in-check until we can see if another QB can make a difference.

[MDH]

Anyhooo........Do you people realize that our defense averaged over three turnovers a GAME this year?????  That is friggin amazing.

197165[/snapback]

 

During the Pittsburgh game the announcers gave an interesting stat. The Bills offense had a lead leading number of drives start in opponents territory, 40. The next highest in the league was 26. The Bills special teams and D should get the majority of the credit for the O finally putting points on the board. That being said, you do have to give the O (and Bledsoe) credit for putting the ball in the endzone instead of always settling for 3.

 

The QB play this year was better than last year, but that’s not saying much. I agree with TD though, you don’t play a player until he’s the best at the position on the team. So until Losman can earn the spot, it’s Bledsoe’s to lose.

[gantrules]

They (the experts) say that these records were set because the offenses now have the upper hand due to defensive holding etc.  Wonder why we weren't able to take advantage of that.

197253[/snapback]

 

But, Mark Campbell, Lee Evans, Bobby Shaw, Josh Reed and Eric Moulds take no part in this. Neither does the offensive line of the Bills that was like a sieve the first half of the season.

 

Drew deserves blame. But only so much.

[DC Tom]

Well, essentially I consider Bledsoe not the only culprit, but I do think MOST of the problem on offense falls on his shoulders. If we somehow found a stud TE, maybe Drew could improve enough where he wouldn't be like the sore thumb......I dunno......I just keep going back to the fact that JP will start sooner or later.....so barring some unforseen miracle in Drew's ability, it's a matter of keeping my frustration in-check until we can see if another QB can make a difference.

197325[/snapback]

 

If you go back and look at Bledsoe's career, his best seasons correspond with Ben Coates' best seasons.

 

The think I can't figure out, though, is if Coates did so well because Bledsoe was doing so well, or if Bledsoe did so well because Coates did so well. There's no real control variable in the analysis. But still...I wish we had an Antonio Gates or Tony Gonzales on this team. I'd bet that, and a top-flight center, would raise Bledsoe's game from "vomitorious" to merely "craptacular".

[stevestojan]

But, Mark Campbell, Lee Evans, Bobby Shaw, Josh Reed and Eric Moulds take no part in this. Neither does the offensive line of the Bills that was like a sieve the first half of the season.

 

Drew deserves blame. But only so much.

197333[/snapback]

 

The QB will always get undue praise and undue ridicule.

 

But that's because his actions affect EVERY other player on the team.

 

I think back to 2 of Lee Evans long catches that he was stopped before getting to the EZ... if Bledsoe had led him on either one of those, instead of throwing behind him, they would have been TDs. Yes, they were decent throws, as they made it to Evans, but if he has such a strong arm (his best quality in the eyes of most) he should be able to lead a WR.

 

Oh, that and missing moulds three yards short on a 5 yard out.

[DC Tom]

During the Pittsburgh game the announcers gave an interesting stat.  The Bills offense had a lead leading number of drives start in opponents territory, 40.  The next highest in the league was 26.  The Bills special teams and D should get the majority of the credit for the O finally putting points on the board.  That being said, you do have to give the O (and Bledsoe) credit for putting the ball in the endzone instead of always settling for 3.

 

The QB play this year was better than last year, but that’s not saying much.  I agree with TD though, you don’t play a player until he’s the best at the position on the team.  So until Losman can earn the spot, it’s Bledsoe’s to lose.

197332[/snapback]

 

That's not entirely fair. Every other offense in the leage gets credit for points regardless of the field position their D and ST earns them...why shouldn't the Bills', too? Field position and takeaways have always been big contributors to effective offensive performance throughout the league.

[gantrules]

Oh, that and missing moulds three yards short on a 5 yard out.

197341[/snapback]

 

Moulds dropping two balls that were perfectly placed against the Steelers didn't exactly profit Drew in his QB rating.

[DC Tom]

The QB will always get undue praise and undue ridicule.

 

But that's because his actions affect EVERY other player on the team.

 

I think back to 2 of Lee Evans long catches that he was stopped before getting to the EZ... if Bledsoe had led him on either one of those, instead of throwing behind him, they would have been TDs. Yes, they were decent throws, as they made it to Evans, but if he has such a strong arm (his best quality in the eyes of most) he should be able to lead a WR.

 

Oh, that and missing moulds three yards short on a 5 yard out.

197341[/snapback]

 

Conversely, how much better would Bledsoe's QB rating be if Moulds had dropped only half the balls he actually did? Every player's actions affect every other olayer on the team, ultimately...

[gantrules]

If you go back and look at Bledsoe's career, his best seasons correspond with Ben Coates' best seasons.

 

The think I can't figure out, though, is if Coates did so well because Bledsoe was doing so well, or if Bledsoe did so well because Coates did so well.  There's no real control variable in the analysis.  But still...I wish we had an Antonio Gates or Tony Gonzales on this team.  I'd bet that, and a top-flight center, would raise Bledsoe's game from "vomitorious" to merely "craptacular".

197337[/snapback]

 

Yes, this is the key. And remember how much Drew use to go to Larry Centers in 02? Then we don't have the short option at all last year and he sucked. Josh was suppose to be the middle in type of guy. But, couldn't get the job done.

 

Willis can catch out of the backfield whereas Travis couldn't or didn't last year.

 

Drew needs a short option.

[ROSCOE P. COE TRAIN]

drew is done in this league. in the last 6 years the league has goen to fast, edge and speed rushing defenses. the hydrid 46s are everywhere with blitzing and pressure on the qb all game long. no one sits in walt cory's old cover 2 non-pressure zones anymore. the athletes on def. are jsut to good now. the preparation and specialist are there too. hence, drew being a statute is done. the league requires a qb to be outright mobile or have footwork or suttle pocket pressence to make a play last 1 or 2 more seconds per snap. manning and rothelsberger get the job done on recongnition and suttle foot work and etc. losman will start this fall and will take the pressure off the line and let the WR have more time to free up down field.

[ajzepp]

If you go back and look at Bledsoe's career, his best seasons correspond with Ben Coates' best seasons.

 

The think I can't figure out, though, is if Coates did so well because Bledsoe was doing so well, or if Bledsoe did so well because Coates did so well.  There's no real control variable in the analysis.  But still...I wish we had an Antonio Gates or Tony Gonzales on this team.  I'd bet that, and a top-flight center, would raise Bledsoe's game from "vomitorious" to merely "craptacular".

197337[/snapback]

The frustrating thing for me is that I remember watching all those games against the Pats when I used to live in Rochester. Seems like - especially when we played them in their house - Bledsoe and the Pats were just unstoppable on offense. I know it's always different when you're on the outside looking in, but now that he's on our team I just don't look at him as the dangerous QB I once did. I dunno......I really do wish that he played better this past year......it would be great to have the Bledsoe from '96 back behind center......but I just don't see him like that anymore.